What we’re still learning from Living Black at University

We recently spent time at the Living Black at University conference, hosted by CUBO at the University of Leeds. The event brought together colleagues from across higher education, student accommodation and the wider sector to reflect on what has changed since the original research - and what still hasn’t.

For us, this was also a moment of reflection on work we have been closely involved in. We were part of the original Living Black at University research team, with ‘Teleola Cartwright as Research Lead, and we were pleased to return to the conference to deliver an invited session alongside Osaro Otobo.

Moving beyond performative responses

A recurring theme across discussions was the need to move beyond symbolic gestures. Institutions are increasingly aware that statements, panels and one-off initiatives do little to address structural inequity.

Instead, the focus is shifting towards:

• embedding accountability within governance structures

• ensuring reporting mechanisms for racial harm are clear and effective

• recognising that inclusion must be operational, not aspirational

This reflects a shift we have seen developing over time: from recognising inequity to taking responsibility for addressing it.

Shifting responsibility from individuals to institutions

One of the most powerful strands of the conference centred on the idea of the “Black tax” - the additional burden placed on Black students and staff to navigate, explain and respond to inequity.

There is increasing recognition that:

• responsibility for change cannot sit with those experiencing exclusion

• institutions must take ownership of structural barriers

• equity work must be resourced, not expected as unpaid labour

This marks an important move away from deficit narratives towards institutional accountability.

The centrality of student voice

Another clear development is the move towards genuine co-creation.

Across the conference, there was strong emphasis on:

• embedding student voice in design and decision-making

• ensuring engagement is meaningful rather than symbolic

• recognising lived experience as a form of expertise

This reflects the core principles underpinning the original research, where narrative and lived experience were central to understanding the student journey.

From insight to implementation

The original Living Black at University report highlighted significant gaps in belonging, safety and support, particularly within accommodation.

What is now emerging is a second phase: translating insight into institutional practice.

Across the sector, there is evidence of:

• changes to residential life models

• greater attention to cultural competency

• more coordinated approaches across services

But progress remains uneven, and the challenge of implementation continues to sit at the centre of this work.

Continuing the work

Alongside the conference, we are continuing to develop this work through a forthcoming book, Living Black at University: Anti-racist Praxis Beyond the Curriculum (Manchester University Press, 2026), which we are co-editing with Osaro Otobo.

The book brings together contributions that move beyond recognising inequity to exploring how institutions can respond in practice - across teaching, governance, student experience and institutional culture. We have each contributed chapters drawing on our respective areas of research and practice.

Where next?

If there was one overarching takeaway, it is this:

The sector knows more than it did five years ago.
The question now is whether it is prepared to act on what it knows.

The challenge is no longer identifying the issues.
It is embedding change in ways that are sustained, accountable and meaningful.

For us, this work continues - through research, practice, and ongoing collaboration across the sector.