Race for Opportunity

The University of Teesside is one of only two Universities to be placed in the top ten of a UK wide equal opportunities benchmarking exercise. Race for Opportunity is an independent organisation that annually assesses the performance of 180 public and private institutions on their race-equality policies and practices.

The University is placed seventh in the top ten of most improved public institutions for race equality and ethnic diversity, achieving a silver award from Race for Opportunity. Other organisations in the top ten include HM Treasury, The Law Society and the Royal Mail Group.

Race for Opportunity has been running for five years. The University has been a member since 2003 when it achieved a bronze award. In 2005, the benchmarking exercise examined the University against various criteria including the business case, people and employees, marketing, community involvement and supplier diversity.

The benchmarking exercise is based on evidence and a range of supporting documentation was submitted for assessment, including examples of equal opportunities policies, practices and procedures, copies of University advertisements and application forms, together with examples of good practice and communications processes.

Lee Graham, Equality & Diversity Officer in the University’s Personnel Department, said: “We are delighted with this result. Race for Opportunity provides us with the opportunity to measure our progress against both public and private organisations. It also provides a robust mechanism to rate our achievements and identify any areas of weakness.

“It’s encouraging to be recognised in a field that has a tendency to be dominated by large business organisations. I hope our achievements will encourage other Higher Education Institutions to join Race for Opportunity and to take part in this worthwhile exercise.”

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