Race Equality Action Plan (2003)

This Action Plan will be implemented alongside existing initiatives already being pursued by the Equality and Diversity Unit. Information on these initiatives is set out on the Equality and Diversity Unit web site.

Major objective 
 Action to be taken  Responsibility Timetable
Policy development and review
The University provides guidance and support to divisional officers to enable them to carry out this role. Council
 Ongoing
  All Divisions, departments and other bodies within the University are required to address race equality through existing processes of strategic planning and policy development. Bodies concerned Ongoing
  The University provides guidance and support to divisional officers to enable them to carry out this role. E&D Ongoing
Consultation The University seeks to expand existing networks for consultation so as to facilitate the involvement of ethnic minority staff and students in the onward development of the race equality policy and action plan and is reviewing the constitution of existing consultative groups. E&D Ongoing
Undergraduate Admissions The Admissions Executive continues to review its policies and practices. EPSC/Admissions Executive Ongoing
Graduate Admissions The University's Graduate Office has introduced a new system of graduate admissions, in which all applications are considered as part of a gathered field. In consultation with the Graduate Committee of the Conference of Colleges, EPSC and the Diversity and Equal Opportunities Unit, the Graduate Office will develop a graduate admissions Code of Practice, drawing on the information available through the introduction of the gathered field process.  Graduate Admissions / EPSC/ E&D  Ongoing
Monitoring arrangements The University continues to review and develop monitoring arrangements, including monitoring criteria, by reference to the CRE Code of Practice in relation to the following areas:

  • Staff selection and progress
  • Staff grievances, discipline and appraisals
  • Student admissions, progress and performance
  • Student complaints and discipline.

E&D / Personnel Services, Student Administration, the Proctors' Office and the Admissions Executive Ongoing
Impact assessment The University is establishing arrangements for impact assessment and for dealing with the findings of such assessments. E&D
Ongoing
Contractors and service providers The University is reviewing procurement policies in the light of guidance from the CRE. Purchasing Office/ E&D
 Ongoing
Publishing arrangements The University publishes the Race Equality Policy and Action Plan on the University's website. E&D Ongoing
Guidance, support and training  The University, via the Oxford Learning Institute and others as appropriate:
  • Is providing race equality information and resources and utilising IT to disseminate information to the widest possible audience within the University.
  • Is organising the provision of advice and guidance to support departments and units.

 E&D / Oxford Learning Institute Ongoing

The University includes student diversity as a factor in research into the Oxford learning experience Oxford Learning Institute Ongoing
Student support The University ensures that its procedures for distributing bursaries, scholarships and hardship funds are fair and equitable, taking due account of the relevant trust provisions where appropriate. Student Administration Ongoing

 The University ensures that its procedures for allocating University student accommodation are fair and equitable. Accommodation Office Ongoing
Community action The University's DEOU continues to encourage and develop links with local ethnic minority community organisations. E&D
 Ongoing

 The University's DEOU continues to participate in the Commission for Racial Equality – Higher Education Forum. E&D
 Ongoing
Undergraduate Admissions The University and the Admissions Executive have worked together on the development of a Code of Practice on admissions and its implementation. The Code of Practice is available on the Admissions Office website. EPSC/Admissions Executive Completed
Guidance, support and training The University, via the Oxford Learning Institute and others as appropriate:
  • Has revised existing seminars on good practice in student selection to include issues relating to graduate admissions and race equality.
  • Has incorporated reference to EO issues in developmental support for new academic staff.
  • Has reviewed all existing seminar and other provision to ensure inclusion of EO issues where appropriate, and to consider new provision where appropriate and where resources permit.

Oxford Learning Institute Completed

  • Has reviewed and revised as necessary training and support for the incoming Proctors, Assessor and Pro Proctors.
 Oxford Learning Institute/LSO/Proctors' Office Completed
Student support The University has drawn up regulations for the handling of complaints and disciplinary matters to accompany the relevant Statutes. Legal Services Office Completed