Leeds Trinity University

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of all we do.

Leeds Trinity University provides an open and welcoming environment, underpinned by the values of our Catholic foundation, which is open to all – whatever their faith background or belief.

The University's mission states that rooted in its Catholic foundation, Leeds Trinity is a diverse and inclusive University welcoming students from all backgrounds and beliefs which exists to provide a transformational educational experience, forming students and learners whose lives will flourish and find wholeness in their work and world.

Promotion of the principles of dignity, respect, social justice, equality, and inclusion to support the social and economic health and wellbeing of each and every person in our University community is an important part of the University's Strategic Plan 2021-2026. Respect and Inclusivity are values which guide our actions and behaviours. ‘People and Sustainability’ is also one of four Strategic Pillars within the Strategic Plan.

We believe that by working together with a philosophy of openness and respectfulness we can ensure that the University’s core values and mission become the lived experience of each and every member of the Leeds Trinity community.

We seek to be diverse and inclusive – supporting individuals and groups to fulfil their potential.
We strive to be outward-looking, welcoming and open to new ideas.
We seek to harness different viewpoints and perspectives to benefit individual and community wellbeing and enrich our research and scholarship.
We value and respect the perspectives and contributions of all our colleagues and students.
We shall create an enriched environment based on values of dignity and respect where diversity of culture, heritage and lifestyle is positively valued and which helps our people to thrive and to realise their full potential.

Equity, Social Justice and Belonging Strategy

Our vision is to develop a culture within our University that is founded in respect, compassion and social justice in a way which delivers equity so that all who study, work and engage with the University are able to thrive.

The values-based approach we adopt is significant in that it recognises the importance of difference and celebrates it.

The impact of our approach to equity, social justice and belonging will be felt by the communities, organisations and industries that we work with and with whom our graduates engage as they enter their professional lives.

Anti-racism statement

‘’We acknowledge that racism is ingrained across our society, institutionalised within the higher education sector and our University. We recognise that racism is not always overt and manifests in the everyday life of our staff and students.

"The impact of this is significantly harmful to individuals and our community. We hold ourselves accountable and expect everyone to be anti-racist, challenge all forms of racism and work to dismantle structures that perpetuate racism, including challenging ourselves. We are committed to eliminating racial inequality and will take systematic action to address racial inequities.

"We expect all staff, students, and all members of our University community including partners and stakeholders to embody these values and behaviours.’’

We are proud to be the first university in Yorkshire to achieve the Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze award, after embarking on a comprehensive programme to achieve race equality and promote inclusion.

As a Catholic foundation university, we believe in the intrinsic value and dignity of every human person, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, background or heritage

This is a call to action for all members of our University community to help us ensure that there is no place for racism at Leeds Trinity University.

We are committed to intensifying our efforts to:

Identify and address any barriers to improving the representation, progression, experience and success of our Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff and students. Use of the terminology “BAME” is under review, as we recognise its limitations.
Critically evaluate our policies, procedures, and practices to remove any potential for racial inequality and racial bias.
Eliminate all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying at the University.
Close the pay gap between BAME and White staff.
Increase BAME representation at key decision-making boards at the University.
Eliminate the offer, progression and attainment gaps between BAME and White students.
Empower our staff and students to feel confident when speaking about race and ethnicity.
Build on existing reporting mechanisms and demonstrate a willingness to listen and act.

Our University and the higher education sector as a whole needs to spearhead the ongoing struggle against racial prejudice and inequity.

We all have a responsibility to ensure that Leeds Trinity University is welcoming for everyone. We will stand up to and challenge racism and expect all members of our University community to do the same.

Leeds Learning Alliance anti-racist statement

The Leeds Learning Alliance (LLA) of which Leeds Trinity University is a member, has published a statement of support for Black women and girls. Read the Leeds Learning Alliance anti-racist statement here.