2025 Shortlisted nominee
OUTSTANDING DIVERSITY NETWORK AWARD
The Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) BAME Network, founded in 2018, is a staff-led collective driving anti-racist change. Named Employee Resource Group of the Year at the 2023 Black Talent Awards, it has become a nationally recognised model for embedding racial equity into college culture, policies and practices. Its impact includes doubling BAME leadership representation (11% to 22%), supporting students in the REALISE Mentoring Project through to achievement and progression and reforming disciplinary and safeguarding processes. Initiatives like the Ramadan Equity Project have shaped experiences for staff and students and the BAME Network has been intrinsic to the development of that. The Network’s support of staff in leadership programmes have seen 62% of participants into senior roles, influencing regional practice. With our active members and partnerships, the BMet BAME Network demonstrates how lived experience, strategy and courage can transform further education.
