UWE Bristol wins Heroes Award for Anti-Racism Strategy

UWE Bristol’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) team has been recognised with a prestigious prize at the University Alliance Awards 2026.

The team collected the Heroes Award for developing and embedding the university’s Anti-Racism Strategy that has delivered measurable improvements in outcomes, accountability and culture across the UWE Bristol and beyond.

At the awards ceremony at the University of Derby, the EDI team overcame competition from other shortlisted nominees at the University of Hertfordshire, Robert Gordon University and De Montfort University.

Judges remarked that the strategy was ‘powerful and transformative’, and the anti-racism message spoke directly from the top across the whole university.

Robiu Salisu, Assistant Director - Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity at UWE Bristol, said: “I’m incredibly proud of my team and the 200 EDI Champions, staff, students and community partners turning our commitment to anti-racism into action.

“This award reminds us that naming racism, confronting uncomfortable truths and building accountability isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s what meaningful leadership looks like. With the support of our Vice-Chancellor and Executive Leadership Team, I am excited to see how we embed anti-racism into lasting change.”

The award submission highlighted how transformational change had been driven at the university by developing and embedding a co‑produced, institution‑wide Anti‑Racism Strategy that had delivered measurable improvements in outcomes, accountability and culture while influencing practice across the wider higher education sector.

The university-wide plan – launched in 2025 – was co-produced with more than 250 staff, students and community partners.

UWE Bristol pledged to ensure the university will be a place where every student and staff member can expect a fair and equitable experience. There was a commitment to becoming a sector leader for anti-racism and inclusion, setting a new standard for racial equity, driving sector-wide change and embedding a lasting culture of inclusion.

There are 200 EDI Champions across UWE Bristol, supported by the EDI team helping the university live its values around inclusivity.

Dan Wood, Chief People Officer at UWE Bristol, said: “I’m very proud to see our EDI team recognised with the University Alliance Heroes Award for their work to advance anti-racism at UWE Bristol. This is richly deserved recognition of their expertise, judgement, courage and persistence. I am enormously grateful for the challenge, leadership and care they bring to our university, and for the difference their work is making.”

University Alliance is a group of 20 professional and technical universities in the UK, united by a shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and real-world impact. Its awards ceremony highlights the exemplary achievements and groundbreaking work undertaken by individuals and teams at University Alliance’s member universities.

Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance, said: “The Alliance Awards have always been about recognising excellence across our membership, and this year’s winners demonstrate the extraordinary contribution that professional and technical universities make to society, regional economies and to their local communities.”