Leadership, Action and Accountability: Reflections from the Close the Gap Symposium, University of Oxford

On 25 April, Jeremy Crook OBE, Chief Executive of Action for Race Equality (ARE), delivered an inspiring talk at the Close the Gap Symposium held at Keble College, University of Oxford.

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Estimated read time: 3 minutes

Surrounded by academics, student leaders, and institutional representatives, Jeremy delivered a clear message: real progress on race equity demands leadership, accountability, and bold action.

Drawing from decades of experience tackling racial inequality across education, employment, and criminal justice, he called on organisations to step up and take ownership of creating genuinely equitable systems. “Leadership is critical in every organisation,” he said, urging participants to make race equity a non-negotiable part of their strategies and culture.

One of Jeremy’s key points was that equality law and positive action aren’t optional extras – they are essential tools for real institutional change. He urged organisations to recognise not just the moral and legal imperatives but also the business case for race equity. Crucially, Jeremy reminded everyone that good intentions and glossy strategies mean nothing without sustained action.

“There is no ‘best practice’ until organisations take action, learn from it, and improve outcomes.”

Jeremy Crook, CEO, Action for Race Equality

Jeremy also called for organisations to embrace external ‘critical friends’ who can challenge and support culture change from the outside.

Following this call to action, the symposium shifted to practical steps with a presentation of Close the Gap: A Toolkit for Fair Postgraduate Research Admissions for Ethnically and Racially Minoritised Applicants, by Professors Sonia Ilie and James Robson.

Designed as part of the joint Oxford-Cambridge Close the Gap project, it offers a clear, three-phase process to help universities identify inequalities in doctoral admissions, develop targeted solutions, and embed lasting cultural and structural change. It aims to transform institutional mindsets.

A hands-on workshop followed, run by the Close the Gap Project team, giving participants the chance to explore the toolkit, discuss challenges, and begin developing strategies for racial justice within their own institutions.

The day also featured an inspiring panel of doctoral students leading the charge on equity in postgraduate education. Devina Paramdeo, a Research Assistant at Generation Delta at Goldsmiths, shared how mentoring and networks are crucial in supporting Black, Asian, and ethnically minoritised women into doctoral study. Loreal Stokes, Project Manager for That’s Me! —a collaboration between Birmingham City University and the University of Wolverhampton—spoke about breaking barriers in the West Midlands by changing university cultures and building peer support.

Iman Federico Awi, who sits on the scholars’ board of Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education (YCEDE) at the University of Leeds, highlighted efforts to make admissions more inclusive and the power of community through the YCEDE Scholars’ Network. Their voices brought home the reality that sustainable change comes from those who experience the barriers firsthand and are leading solutions.

Chaired by Professor Sonia Ilie, the symposium closed with a forward-looking panel discussion on the future of postgraduate access. Panelists Owen Gower (UKCGE), Paulette Williams (Leading Routes), Tim Soutphommasane (University of Oxford), Joe Ellery (Research England), and Paul Wakeling (YCEDE) shared insights on the systemic changes needed to build a truly equitable research culture.

From policy reforms and funding to leadership accountability and community partnerships, the conversation made clear that while progress has been made, there is still much work ahead. A lively Q&A gave delegates the chance to engage directly with panellists, ending the day with a strong sense of shared purpose and a commitment to action.

We have also invited the student leaders to write their own blogs, highlighting their journeys. Read below!