UCL Computer Science launches new EDI action plan after external audit

A new action plan has been launched by UCL Computer Science following an external review carried out by arkisites, an organisation dedicated to bridging the access gap between minority ethnic groups, young people and the tech sector.   

The audit focussed on answering three key questions:  

1. Why does the department receive so few applications from Black students and staff?  

2. What are the barriers to career progression for Black staff in the department?  

3. How can the department provide better support to Black students? 

Findings and recommendations were reviewed by the department’s EDI Committee and Senior leadership team, resulting in a new approach to tackle the structural barriers identified in the report. 

View the department's action plan

Commenting on the review, Karin Alderson and Marc Deisenroth, the department’s EDI Leads said: 

“In 2020, we significantly broadened the scope of our mission on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in UCL Computer Science.  As a response to an internal listening campaign, we worked with Arkisites to investigate structural barriers to recruitment, progression, and retention of Black students and staff.  

Arkisites provided detailed results and practical advice for steps we will take in both the short and long term to trigger positive change. The report produced by arkisites provided the external perspective and impetus we needed to make the required changes.” 

Elijah Ajuwon, Chief Executive at arkisites shared his experience of working with the department: 

"Commissioning this audit reflects the leadership, awareness and courage of UCL in their efforts to make real change in regard to widening participation from ethnic diversity perspective". 

The department’s Race Equality Working Group lead, Ashley Bedeau, said:  “I'm happy with the steps the department has taken following the audit and detailed report from arkisites. The Aspire Awards, new mentorship schemes and revaluating our outreach programs are just some of the ways we can make UCL Computer Science a much more equitable and inclusive department.” 

For more information, please contact EDI Officer, Kiran Ahmed (kiran.ahmed@ucl.ac.uk)