A new HEPI Debate Paper makes a stark case that progress on racial equity in English higher education has been far too slow – and that existing accountability mechanisms are failing to drive meaningful change.
In Making Metrics Matter: Tackling Racial Inequity in Higher Education (HEPI Debate Paper 43), Dr Katharine Hubbard sets out compelling evidence that deep disparities in student outcomes and staff representation persist, even at institutions widely regarded as sector leaders.
Using new analysis of TEF 2023 results, the paper reveals that high performance on headline metrics can mask serious inequities. Some TEF Gold institutions have Black degree-awarding gaps exceeding 25 percentage points, while many Gold and Silver providers significantly under-recruit Black academics – in some cases to the extent that students may never be taught by a Black member of staff. The findings raise fundamental questions about what ‘excellence’ should mean in a system with such disparities.
To explore the evidence, analysis and recommendations in full, click here to read the press release and find a link to the full paper.