CRE Leadership Challenge Initiative

Colleagues will recall that in 1997 the HE sector signed up to the
Commission for Racial Equality's Leadership Challenge Initiative.  Each year
the CRE request information on examples of initiatives which have been
undertaken by the signatories which are then published in a report.  I
recently wrote round to all VCs via the following Information note listed
below but have only had a few responses so far.  ARE YOU ABLE TO HELP?

Any examples of projects / initiatives /developments would be most welcome.
This does not have to be in great detail - simply a few bullet points on
what your VC/Principal is doing towards promoting racial equality in your
institution will suffice.  Please call me on 0171 4195483 if you wd like any
further info.  It wd be helpful if these cd be forwarded to me by Thursday 8
April.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Fiona Waye
Secretary to CUCO

NOTE TO VCs - I/99/20

Introduction

1.	In June 1997 the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) launched the
Leadership Challenge initiative. This initiative invited people in positions
of influence in all areas of society to give a personal lead in promoting
the principle of racial equality and, more important, the practical action
that will make it a reality.  CVCP, SCOP and COSHEP along with many other
national and local government organisations signed up to the Challenge.


2.	Each year the CRE writes round to all Leadership signatories to
review the progress that has been made in promoting and taking forward the
Challenge and realising the potential of ethnic diversity.  As with the
event last May, which the Prime Minister hosted, the CRE will wish to make
known the action which has been taken across all sectors of society,
including higher education.  It will report on specific initiatives which
have been taken and their emerging outcomes.   In view of this members are
asked to forward any projects/ initiatives/ actions and any other progress
that has been made through their personal leadership.      

3.	In order to facilitate progress with this initiative all heads of
institutions will have received:

*	a copy of a leaflet from the CRE which summarised the challenge and
offered some indicators of the way the commitment could be taken forward,
including examples of the type of action, that was relevant, attached as
Appendix I/99/20(a), and

*	a copy of an action plan which was developed out of a seminar
organised by CUCO for members circulated as I/98/28 and attached as
Appendix I/99/20(b)     

*	2 copies of the Higher Education and Equality Guide, which was
produced in partnership with the CRE and the Equal Opportunities Commission
(EOC) in June 1997.  This Guide provides further detailed information on how
to integrate equal opportunities into all areas of higher education ranging
from employment issues to students' recruitment guidance and support.
Further copies are available from the Equal Opportunities Commission (0161
838 8242).  Leaflet attached as Appendix I/99/20(c).

4.	All evidence submitted will be collated into a report and circulated
to the CRE and the sector. 

	Action

5.	It would be helpful if evidence could be submitted under all or some
of the categories listed below:

*	The public profile / raising awareness
*	Acknowledging and celebrating achievements
*	Commitment to action 

6.	The CRE would welcome information on:

*	Initiatives that have been taken, are in development or are planned
*	Progress that has been made; results of initiatives developed;
changes in practice etc.  

7.	Members are asked to forward any material for consideration for the
CRE report by Wednesday 31 March 1999 to Fiona Waye, Policy Advisor at CVCP.


	Call for volunteers 

8.	In order to supplement the final report, CUCO would welcome the
opportunity to meet a small number of heads of institutions to consider in
more detail: 

*	The progress made within their institution, and
*	The barriers that have been encountered and whether further support
from CUCO or CRE would be helpful.

9.	If any member is interested in taking part can they please contact
Fiona Waye at the CVCP by Friday 5 March 1999.   

	Further information 

10.	Further information on the Leadership Challenge Initiative or
clarification of the CRE  review is available from either:

*	Fiona Waye at the CVCP, or
*	Joe Charlesworth and Phil Barnett at the CRE, Elliot House, 10/12
Allington Street, London, SE1E 5EH.  Telephone 0171 932 5299.     





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