Home ▻ Public Sites▻Office of the Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion▻Race Equality▻Race Equality Framework 2023-2027

Race Equality Framework 2023-2027

 

University of Galway Race Equality Framework & Action Plan 2023-2027 provides a clear roadmap for advancing race equality and fostering a more equitable and inclusive university. It outlines our commitment to valuing diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, recognising that race equality is integral to the University’s core values of respect, openness, sustainability, belonging and excellence.

It contains 125 actions across five thematic areas, with emphasis placed on ensuring race equality is prioritised in all strategies, policies and many other aspects to ensure the University develops as a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. The agreed success criteria, to be reached by November 2027, are as follows: 57 actions fully implemented and 68 actions demonstrably progressing in line with agreed timelines.

University of Galway Race Equality Framework Action Plan MidTerm Review 2023-25

The Mid-Term Review demonstrates that, as of 31 August 2025, the University is making significant and measurable progress toward achieving the objectives outlined in the November 2027 Race Equality Action Plan. Of the 125 identified actions, 107 (85%) are either complete or advancing in accordance with the planned timeline, reflecting a sustained institutional commitment to embedding race equality at all levels.

This progress is supported by a suite of targeted initiatives and robust monitoring mechanisms designed to promote accountability and transparency. Systematic updates and evaluations have enabled the University to identify areas of success, as well as aspects requiring further attention, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the implementation and impact of each action. The structured approach to monitoring the Action Plan ensures that each measure contributes substantively to the overarching aim of fostering an inclusive and equitable institutional environment.

The progression of actions across the five thematic areas is presented below.

1. Leadership, Strategy, and Policy

  • 15 Actions - 92% complete or on track.
  • Appointment of a permanent EDI Programme Manager for Race Equality and establishment of an operational Race Equality Committee within the governance structure of the university to provide strategic oversight and accountability.
  • Systematic integration of race equality and human rights across institutional strategic planning, governance structures, recruitment practices, and decision-making processes.
  • Progressive enhancement of minority ethnic representation within governance and senior leadership roles.
  • Alignment of initiatives with key frameworks and standards, including Athena Swan, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the HEA Race Equality Implementation Action Plan 2022-2024.
  • Nelson Mandela Leadership Award established to recognise individuals who demonstrate leadership in advancing race equality, with three recipients awarded to date.

2. Recruitment, Progression, and Supports

  • 45 Actions – 82% complete or on track.
  • Establishment of EDI Race Equality Advisors and Student Support Officers, contributing to enhanced visibility and targeted support for students.
  • Expansion of scholarship opportunities, including the forty-eight University of Sanctuary and two Tom Molineux Scholarships awarded to minority ethnic students.
  • Launch of the Global Employability Team to support international students in career development and professional transition.
  • Strengthened widening participation activities and supports with thirty-four Irish Traveller students currently studying at University of Galway.
  • Improved guidance and clarity regarding immigration, visa processes, and travel arrangements to support mobility.
  • Enhanced provision of coaching, mentoring, financial assistance, and relocation support to minority ethnic staff, promoting professional progression and retention.
  • Formation and enhancement of staff networks, including the Research Staff Network and International Staff Network, to foster integration and collegial engagement.

3. Data, Monitoring, and Reporting

  • 12 Actions – 83% complete or on track.
  • Establishment of a permanent EDI Data Manager role to ensure robust institutional monitoring of diversity and inclusion metrics.
  • Systematic collection of staff and student demographic data, including ethnicity, via the Core ESS portal.
  • Establishment of baselines for academic and career progression of international staff and students.
  • Strengthened formal mechanisms for reporting and addressing incidents of racism.
  • Strong progression on the development of an Intersectional Discrimination Index to enable comprehensive and longitudinal assessment of inequalities across multiple identity dimensions.

4. Community, Communications, and Culture

  • 38 Actions – 86% complete or on track.
  • Delivery of strategically significant EDI events, including Black History Month, Pride, Refugee Day, Traveller Ethnicity Week, and Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week, to promote awareness and inclusion.
  • Implementation of the Race Equality Ally Programme and expansion of training, with 80% of staff completing race equality-related training.
  • Enhancement of student support services and initiatives to foster inclusion, belonging, and integration for minority ethnic and international students.
  • Provision of inclusive facilities, including multi-faith spaces and culturally appropriate dining options available across campus.
  • A total of thirty-three race equality initiatives, driven by staff or student leadership, have been funded through the EDI Project Fund.
  • Strengthened engagement with 500+ community organisations and broader sectors partners through Alive volunteer programmes, University of Sanctuary initiatives, and Irish Centre for Human Rights partnerships.
  • Demonstrated local and global leadership in human rights research and advocacy; Leading or supporting six key actions in the Intercultural and Anti-Racism Strategy for Galway City.
  • Development of a Critical Incident Plan to safeguard staff and students; with 4000+ staff and students using the Safe Campus app to enhance campus safety.

5. Scholarship and Curriculum

  • 15 Actions – 86% complete or on track.
  • Completion of Phase I of the Decolonising Curriculum initiative, with Phase II funded and progressing through toolkit development and stakeholder consultations.
  • 5,000+ Research collaborations worldwide, including with partners in the Global South.
  • Strengthened international mobility and strategic research partnerships through initiatives such as DecCur, ENLIGHT, and other global networks.
  • Launch of the Mincéirs Archive and commencement of the co-creation of Black Archives in collaboration with staff and students with lived experience.
  • Ongoing integration of Global South, Indigenous, nomadic, and Black studies perspectives into the curriculum to enhance educational outcomes and promote inclusive learning environments.
  • Expansion of English Language classes with 485 students attending classes in 2024.