I-REACCH: Inclusive Research Environment Achieved through Culture Change

Our challenge, identified through institution-wide consultation, is to redress decreasing diversity from post-graduate researcher to professor and beyond. Leicester is one of the first UK cities to have a majority minority ethnic population, (59%, 2021 Census). As a mid-sized, single site, research-intensive University we are uniquely able to provide a strategic testbed for intersectionality and career advancement for under-represented groups through top-down and bottom-up innovations.  Marginalised and disadvantaged groups provide the prism to improve the institution's research culture in its entirety and potentially become a model for the university sector. Our programme of work will understand barriers to progression for under-represented groups and to co-develop novel ways to enhance an inclusive culture by boosting advocacy and timely career progression through interconnected pilot projects. Five complementary workstreams will combine data collection/analysis with bespoke career interventions and evaluation. These will be co-designed with those who have lived experiences of the barriers to progression and belonging. Engagement with research leaders will embed and sustain the impact. Our vision is to advance an enriched and resilient research community that supports ALL research-related staff to achieve their potential, accelerate a sense of belonging through positive action, and produce scalable and reproducible proof-of-concept outcomes.