University shortlisted for outstanding contribution to equality, diversity and inclusion at the Times Higher Education Awards

The University was recognised for its sector-leading work in reducing the awarding gap between white and Global Majority students on campus, from 13.1% in 2023 to 2.3% in 2025, compared to a sector average of 11.4%. This was achieved through a wide range of interventions grounded in lived experience and designed to confront systemic inequities directly.  

One of these interventions is the anti-racist training toolkit Re:Tension, consisting of an immersive session based on a short film which depicts racism in higher education. The film invites participants to discuss openly about their lived experience in a safe and supportive space, followed by expert-led debate to shape future action. To date, Re:Tension has reached more than 4,000 students and 500 staff at Leeds Trinity, and has been delivered to 50 universities and non-HE organisations. It has fostered a culture of openness and belonging at the University, empowering students and staff to address disparities.   

Alongside institutional change, Leeds Trinity introduced Coaching the Gap, a targeted wellbeing intervention, which offered one-to-one coaching to two cohorts of Global Majority students at risk of disengagement, low attainment or non-completion. All participants progressed or graduated successfully, reporting improved wellbeing, confidence and engagement.    

Vice-Chancellor Professor Charles Egbu said: “I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for such an important and prestigious award. This is a testament to the work of colleagues, students, and wider University community, that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to embedding equity and social justice at Leeds Trinity and driving positive change across the sector. The work does not stop here, and I am confident we will continue to make progress within our institution and beyond.”  

Leeds Trinity continues to build on its impactful work. Re:Tension has seeded co-creation projects, catalysed curriculum reviews, and informed Mind the Gap, a film launched in January 2025 focused on degree outcomes and grounded in student and academic research.   

Mind the Gap has been shared sector-wide, inspiring Manchester Metropolitan University and Lancaster University to establish a joint working group addressing awarding gaps, using the film as a catalyst. In early 2026, the University’s Strategic Lead for Race Equality, Dr Syra Shakir, established the Anti-Racist Scholar Collective, bringing together over 200 academics across more than 100 institutions in 12 countries. 

As the first university in Yorkshire and only seventh nationally to receive the Race Equality Charter (REC) Silver award, Leeds Trinity has implemented meaningful change, focusing on lived experience, co-creation, and belonging, as it continues to adapt and improve its approach to equity and social justice. 

The winners of the Times Higher Education Awards will be announced on Thursday 26 November.