The Advance HE (2024) Equality in higher education statistical reports states “that although ethnic representation among professors is increasing across the years, this varies widely across the different minority ethnic groups, with Black professors still being those most underrepresented. This is true when looking at representation across both UK and non-UK professors”.  

At White Rose, we have developed the Equity in Leadership programme to promote diversity in higher education leadership. This programme offers targeted leadership development for staff from global majority backgrounds, including those in academia and professional services who identify as Black, Asian, or other Minority Ethnicities.  

However, we recognise that achieving diversity in leadership necessitates the cultivation of a robust and diverse talent pipeline. YCEDE, in collaboration with the Office for Students (OfS), Research England, and partner institutions (York, Bradford, Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam, and Leeds), has made significant strides in increasing access to doctoral studies for UK-based graduates from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.  

Building on this foundation, we aim to further demystify academic pathways and encourage global majority ECRs to consider pursuing academic careers. To support this, we are commissioning a project to identify and learn from best practices across our partner institutions and the wider sector. These insights will be used by the appointed consultants to co-design and deliver a pilot programme tailored to supporting global majority ECRs in navigating and progressing within academia.  

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