Louder than a thousand voices: setting up reciprocal mentoring relationships between black students and white staff

Abstract

The project was firstly set up in partnership between LJMU’s EDI Team and JMSU as a pilot scheme to understand the issues concerning Black students’ progression and differential attainment at university.   

Led by Moni Akinsanya, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager and Julia Daer, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Advisor, this scheme has now been running for almost three years, pairing White senior leaders (ELT members, Governors, Directors Associate Deans etc.) with Black and Asian Minority Ethnic students and staff to engage in open and honest conversations about race and racism. The mentoring conversations are mutually beneficial, and White staff share their career journey and insights on how to navigate the world of work.  

The EDI Team has expanded the scheme in and outside the university, working with external organisations and with key individuals from the Black and Asian Minority Ethnic Community in Merseyside. The mentoring conversations have triggered a series of projects across the institution aiming to create more inclusive study and work environments.    

We firmly believe that this initiative has been the leading project in enhancing race equality, diversity and inclusion at LJMU in recent years and we could like to invite you to join us to see what's next.