Living Black at University Commission Report 2022/23 Living Black at University Commission Report 2022/23 ABOUT THIS REPORT Jen Steadman You may notice that there are only eight sector notes, So, we invite you to join us on this journey. It won’t Buoyed by e昀昀orts to both widen participation domestically and Commissioning Editor, Unite Students recruit students from all across the world, the UK’s student when there are 10 recommendations. By engaging with be easy – it will take time and work, persistence and population has never been more diverse. the work of the Commission, you are already ful昀椀lling resolve, honesty and accountability. But through With the impact of the student accommodation experience on Recommendation 1; by doing the work to improve Black collaboration and courage, we can make UK purpose- satisfaction already well-documented, universities are keenly aware students’ university experience, you will eventually built student accommodation a safer and more of how powerful a tool both their own accommodation supply and achieve Recommendation 10. equitable environment for Black students – creating that of private accommodation providers can be for enhancing a home in which they can thrive. 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. RECOMMENDATIONS 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 Universities and accommodation providers Universities and accommodation providers Black at University has shown the sector’s desire to learn, to do, 1 should collaborate to eliminate racism 6 should work together to create intentionally and to do more, and these are the reasons why Unite Students – from all areas of the student experience, diverse and inclusive student accommodation. as part of our own journey – convened the Commission on Living including student accommodation. Black at University. Improve acclimatisation and integration Universities and accommodation providers 2 activities for all new students and extend the 7 should collaborate to ensure mental health This report shares the insights we have learned and the actions period over which these activities take place. and wellbeing support is available, accessible we have taken over 18 months in the Commission’s 昀椀rst phase, and appropriate for Black students. with the intention of supporting you to turn the report’s 10 recommendations into action. In the pages to come, you will Introduce meaningful race training for peers Ensure there are clear and accessible 昀椀nd sector notes – which break down recommendations 2-9 3 and sta昀昀. 8 policies and procedures (including into bite-sized chunks, covering key issues, best practice tips, anonymous reporting) that deal explicitly self-assessment questions and Commission actions – alongside with racism in accommodation. expert commentary, case studies and guidance on taking action at your own institution or organisation. Accommodation providers should con昀椀rm Accommodation providers should routinely 4 a commitment to tackling racism, both in 9 collect, analyse and publish relevant data We hope that this report supports you to implement the their internal policies and in their student on the racial diversity of their residents recommendations and move closer to race equity within your behavioural agreement or charter. and employees, as well as outcomes of organisation. However, this is not an exhaustive report; there is much reporting and investigation of complaints. more to be explored within the scope of the recommendations, and more can, and will be, done in future. Every organisation and Improve the representation of Black people as Accommodation providers should work to build institution represented on the Commission remains on that journey. 5 employees to re昀氀ect the diversity of students. 10 a relationship of trust with Black students. 6 7