Living Black at University Commission Report 2022/23 6 Living Black at University Commission Report 2022/23 7 Buoyed by efforts to both widen participation domestically and recruit students from all across the world, the UK’s student population has never been more diverse. With the impact of the student accommodation experience on satisfaction already well-documented, universities are keenly aware of how powerful a tool both their own accommodation supply and that of private accommodation providers can be for enhancing their students’ university experience. However, the original Living Black at University research report highlighted some of the ways in which one rapidly growing demographic group of students was being failed in their accommodation experience. Everyone in the Higher Education sector is on a journey with inclusion. No one has all the answers. There is much to be done, whether at individual, organisational or national level, and in order to move forward we must work together. The response to Living Black at University has shown the sector’s desire to learn, to do, and to do more, and these are the reasons why Unite Students – as part of our own journey – convened the Commission on Living Black at University. This report shares the insights we have learned and the actions we have taken over 18 months in the Commission’s first phase, with the intention of supporting you to turn the report’s 10 recommendations into action. In the pages to come, you will find sector notes – which break down recommendations 2-9 into bite-sized chunks, covering key issues, best practice tips, self-assessment questions and Commission actions – alongside expert commentary, case studies and guidance on taking action at your own institution or organisation. We hope that this report supports you to implement the recommendations and move closer to race equity within your organisation. However, this is not an exhaustive report; there is much more to be explored within the scope of the recommendations, and more can, and will be, done in future. Every organisation and institution represented on the Commission remains on that journey. ABOUT THIS REPORT You may notice that there are only eight sector notes, when there are 10 recommendations. By engaging with the work of the Commission, you are already fulfilling Recommendation 1; by doing the work to improve Black students’ university experience, you will eventually achieve Recommendation 10. So, we invite you to join us on this journey. It won’t be easy – it will take time and work, persistence and resolve, honesty and accountability. But through collaboration and courage, we can make UK purpose- built student accommodation a safer and more equitable environment for Black students – creating a home in which they can thrive. Jen Steadman Commissioning Editor, Unite Students RECOMMENDATIONS 1 Universities and accommodation providers should collaborate to eliminate racism from all areas of the student experience, including student accommodation. 6 Universities and accommodation providers should work together to create intentionally diverse and inclusive student accommodation. 2 Improve acclimatisation and integration activities for all new students and extend the period over which these activities take place. 7 Universities and accommodation providers should collaborate to ensure mental health and wellbeing support is available, accessible and appropriate for Black students. 3 Introduce meaningful race training for peers and staff. 8 Ensure there are clear and accessible policies and procedures (including anonymous reporting) that deal explicitly with racism in accommodation. 4 Accommodation providers should confirm a commitment to tackling racism, both in their internal policies and in their student behavioural agreement or charter. 9 Accommodation providers should routinely collect, analyse and publish relevant data on the racial diversity of their residents and employees, as well as outcomes of reporting and investigation of complaints. 5 Improve the representation of Black people as employees to reflect the diversity of students. 10 Accommodation providers should work to build a relationship of trust with Black students.