Improving Outcomes for BAME Students in Higher Education 2024

During the pandemic many institutions saw the awarding gap between white and BAME students fall to zero (2020-21). Since this awarding gap maintains throughout the sector. Such disparities have been further highlighted by movements for racial justice and inclusivity across the nation and on campuses. Universities must therefore act to address the awarding gap, improve the university experience, and create a truly inclusive and decolonised curriculum. These are vital steps to improve student wellbeing, reduce the attainment gap and enhance employability prospects for BAME students in higher education.

• The awarding of First or 2:1 degrees between white and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students lessened by 4.4% between 2018 and 2021. (HESA)
• The degree awarding gap was more pronounced among part-time BAME students compared to their white peers (23%) in 2021. (HESA)
• White graduates (74%) were also more likely than BAME graduates (72%) to be in professional-level employment, according to survey data from Jisc

Join us at the Improving Outcomes and Experiences for BAME Students in Higher Education Conference 2024 to hear from leading experts and academics on how to support minority ethnic students at university. Learn and benefit from a series of best practice case studies on a range of topics including narrowing the attainment gap, fostering culture change within institutions, and creating university-wide equality and diversity policies. You will also have the chance to network with senior colleagues and further your goals in improving outcomes for BAME students.

Why Attend:

✓ Hear high-level keynotes on the latest initiatives in Improving Outcomes for BAME Students from experts and researchers

✓ Learn from case studies showcasing best practice in narrowing the attainment gap, fostering cultural change, and innovatively engaging with staff and management

✓ Discuss a wide range of topics including the attainment and awarding gap, decolonised curriculums, and engaging with minority students

✓ Network with senior colleagues from across higher education.

✓ Gain 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE TO YOUR
CONFERENCE PACKAGE – GE Insights:

This year’s conference package includes 12-months FREE access to GE Insights, our cross-sector learning resource of case study focused videos, articles, lived experiences and more (RRP £199). Gain unlimited access to our online platform when you purchase your conference ticket.

Key benefits include:

 ✓100s of Exclusive Case Studies – fingertip access to videos and articles covering all key sectors including Local Authorities, Voluntary, and Education and ALL CPD certified

 ✓Key Sessions from All Our Conferences – gain valuable insights from our past, present, and future events (160+ pa)

 ✓Articles and Interviews – learn from our network of expert speakers and contributors explore further the key discussions from the conferences

 ✓Additional CPD Hours – automatically earn more for everything you watch, read, and hear

 ✓Your Own CPD Dashboard – charts your progress, allows you to add notes, download your activities, and save/print an official CPD certificate

 ✓Personalised Homepage – only see the relevant content you need to save time

 ✓30+ New Uploads Each Month – we’re adding new content every week to ensure you stay engaged and informed all year round.

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

• 09.00

  Online Registration

• 09.50

  Chair’s Opening Remarks

  Dr Kenisha Linton-Williams, Associate Professor of Management, University of Greenwich (Invited)

• 10.00

  Keynote: The Landscape of BAME Representation in Higher Education: Current Challenges and Opportunities

  • Outlining the current state of BAME representation and examining key challenges, trends, and opportunities in higher education institutions
  • Guidance and updates on designing practices to widen access to higher education for BAME students
  • Establishing clear responsibilities for university management in supporting BAME students and staff during times of increasing student numbers
  • Tips on producing successful initiatives and practices in ensuring BAME student success through and beyond university
  • Insight on national endeavours and potential areas of further development to solidify BAME inclusion in the higher education sector

  Dan Hurley, Assistant Director of Policy, Universities UK (invited)

• 10.20

  Lived Experience: Listening and Strengthening BAME Student Voices for Active Feeback and Engagement

  • Sharing insights into the impact of listening to and valuing minority student voices
  • Establishingbest practice in effectively engaging with BAME students and encourage open dialogue
  • Translating feedback into action: leveraging student insights to drive cultural inclusivity and policy reform

  Kayz Kurmaly, Former Convenor for the College of Arts Student Representative Council (invited)

• 10.40

  Questions and Answers

• 11.00

  Comfort Break

• 11.15

  Case Study: Understanding the Awarding Gap: Strategies and Solutions for Achieving Greater Equity

  • Defining the awarding gap: data-driven insights into disparities in academic achievements between BAME and non-BAME students
  • Insights into pedagogical approaches, mentorship programmes, and community engagement initiatives that target the root causes of the gap
  • Developing faculty and institution-wide commitments to increase the university’s responsibly and accountability for enhancing equity
  • Mapping strategies in intervening and changing the awarding gap to improve employability prospects for minority ethnic students

  Leslie Gutman, Professor of Developmental and Health Psychology, University College London (Invited)

• 11.35

  Case Study: Changing Spaces, Not People: Cultivating Inclusive Environments for BAME Graduates

  • Analysing and correcting pressures created bycurrent academic and professional environments on BAME graduates to conform, impacting their identities and career trajectories
  • Assessing organisational cultural changes to challenge the common expectation BAME individuals to fit pre-existing norms
  • Strategies for universities and employers to develop environments that acknowledge and celebrate diverse identities
  • Evaluating the use of inclusive practices and how it has enhanced BAME graduates’ employability and well-being
  • Actionable steps for institutions to foster more welcoming and inclusive spaces for BAME graduates

  Rhianna Garrett, Multiple award-winning PhD studentship researcher, Loughborough University (CONFIRMED)

• 11.55

  Case Study: Facilitating Safe Spaces and Race-Based Conversations to Achieve a Cultural Transformation

  • Sharing the nuances and challenges of the prevailing culture within higher education institutions.
  • Identifying and engaging the key stakeholders that can drive transformative change: tips and advice
  • Strategies for equipping staff with skills to facilitate conversations about culture changes within the workspace
  • Maintaining consistent communication to unite all departments towards a common goal of inclusivity

  Muhammad Arkam Babar, Student Outcomes Officer (Learning), Kings College London (Invited)

• 12.15

  Questions and Answers

• 12.35

  Lunch Time

• 13.15

  Case Study: Crafting an Inclusive and Decolonised Curriculum to Embrace Diverse Literature

  • Identifying and addressing the barriers to creating a decolonised and inclusive curriculum
  • Key tips and insights into developing a decolonised curriculum that is engaging and practical
  • Implementing effective outreach strategies to redesign courses and ensure they reflect the student body
  • Adapting feedback and assessments to incorporate a decolonised learning experience
  • Measuring the impact of decolonising the curriculum and sharing the positive outcomes

  Sami Safadi, Academic Support Tutor, University of Salford (CONFIRMED)

• 13.35

  Case Study: Creating An Effective and Robust University-wide Equality, Inclusion, and Diversity Policy

  • Tips for diversifying recruitment to ensure university staff reflect the student population
  • Harnessing engagement: consulting with students, faculty, and community members to create comprehensive policies
  • Insights into formulating a dedicated funding plan to provide dedicated resource for EDI initiatives
  • Monitoring and adapting policies through regular reviews and feedback loops to meet evolving needs and challenges

  Dr Yaz Osho, Director of Academic Professional Development, Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation, University of Westminster (CONFIRMED)

• 13.55

  Questions and Answers

   

• 14.15

  Breakout Networking: Collaborative Strategies in Advancing Employability Initiatives for BAME learners

  This session is to allow you to share your experiences you confront daily in enhancing inclusivity and supporting BAME students. Overall, learn from others, and foster cross-sector collaboration for innovative solutions.

• 14.45

  Comfort Break

• 15.00

  Case Study: Confronting Unacceptable Behaviour: Ensuring a Safer Campus by Tackling Harassment and Racism

  • Identifying the prevalence of racism and harassment within our institutions and its impact on students
  • Designing and providing platforms for victims to share their experiences and create a culture where reporting is encouraged
  • Planning and implementing a high-impact structure to ensure action is taken once a report is logged
  • Facilitating training for staff and students in reporting incidents of racism and harassment
  • Insights into providing and continuous and accessible mental health support for victims of racial harassment

  James Nicholson, Director of Student and Academic Services, Abertay University (Invited)

• 15.20

  Case Study: Tailoring Support Initiatives to Enhance the Student Experience for BAME Learners

  • Using data and research to analyse the challenges faced by BAME students both academically and socially
  • Sharing successful initiatives, programmes, and resources that have directly improved experiences
  • Implementing Peer Mentorship: appointing senior BAME students mentoring newer students in navigating academic demands and cultural challenges
  • Training faculty and staff on understanding and acting to provide inclusive learning environments
  • Ensuring continuous engagement through BAME societies, gathering feedback, and adapting policies to maximise effectiveness and inclusivity

  Mohammed Ilyas, Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, University of Hertfordshire (Invited)

• 15.40

  Questions and Answers

• 16.00

  Chair’s Closing Remarks

  *programme subject to change without notice

Who Should Attend?

*This Conference is open to Public, Private and Third Sectors

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

We are now taking bookings for our wide range of sponsorship and exhibition packages; we also offer bespoke packages tailored for your organisation.

Why Sponsor and Exhibit at this event:

✓ Network with key decision makers from across the sector
✓ Meet your target audience
✓ Listen and Learn from leading experts from across the further education sector
✓ Opportunity to demonstrate your products or services
✓ Speak alongside industry leading experts
✓ Work with your dedicated account manager to generate the maximum amount of leads

Exhibition and Sponsorship Packages:

Strategic Headline Sponsor:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Pre show marketing email to all registered delegates
• Post show inclusion on presentation email
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or A4 Chair Drop
• 5 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Speaker Pass

Key Supporter Package:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or Chair Drop
• 1 Speaker Pass
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes

Exhibition Stand:

• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Power, Wifi, Table and 2 Chairs (If required)
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Stand Manager Pass

Insert or Chair Drop:

• 1 Delegate Conference Pass
• A4 insert into delegate pack or A4 Chair Drop

For more information or to discuss your requirements, please contact the team on 0330 0584 285, or sponsorship@governmentevents.co.uk or complete our enquiry form and we will contact you.

• Public Sector: £449+VAT
• Voluntary Sector: £379+VAT
• Private Sector: £649+VAT