A group of higher education institutions have collaborated to ensure fair access and parity of experience for diverse student populations, creating a new guidebook that outlines the range of associated outreach activities and events across a number of UK university centres.
The guide is the first publication from the BLOC (BERF Landex Outreach Collaboration) project, an alliance between Hartpury University and Landex educational institutions, as well as the British Ethnic Riders Federation.
The project aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity in land-based education by opening the doors to more rural campuses, breaking down barriers to participation, and promoting fair access to higher education. It is hoped that the guide will encourage its target audience, community groups, to explore the outreach activities, engagement programs, and support services, offered by members of the BLOC project.
Linda Greening, Head of Inclusivity at Hartpury University, said: “Historically, participation in subjects including agriculture, animal, and equine sciences has been predominantly white, largely due to perceptions of applicants from the global majority. This project has sought to address some of those perceptions by inviting community groups onto rural campuses to provide tailor-made experiences that go some way to address the myths surrounding study and career opportunities in these areas of study.”
The guide ultimately intends to empower individuals from all backgrounds to pursue education and careers in land-based subjects, showcasing member institutions and inviting students, educators and community members to support its mission. The project offers various activities including subject taster days, campus tours, career pathway workshops, open days, and equine events, to engage with prospective students and provide insights into opportunities available at the member universities.
The project has benefited from the input of practitioners from The Royal Agricultural University, Harper Adams University, Nottingham Trent University, University Centre Reaseheath, University Centre Bishop Burton, University Centre Myerscough, University Centre Sparsholt, Kingston Maurward College. Derby College, and Hartpury University.
“We hope the activities that are run because of the BLOC guide will help to raise young people’s awareness of and interest in land-based studies, with the British Ethnic Riders Federation there specifically supporting those who choose to participate in equestrianism,” Linda added.
About The British Ethnic Riders Federation
The British Ethnic Riders Federation began as a Facebook group in July 2020. Established by Founder and Director Sandra Murphy, it is now a Community Interest Company with its own website which hosts an electronic copy of the BLOC Guidebook. The Federation aims to level the playing field for ethnically diverse riders, enabling their skills and talents to flourish within a safe, equal and diverse environment, without prejudice or discrimination. Having worked with The Pony Club, the British Horse Society, British Eventing, and British Dressage in the past, the group recently gained CIC status meaning they’ll be able to better access funding to further their work.
The British Ethnic Riders Federation is also affiliated with the Oxford Farming Conference’s ‘Breaking Barriers’ scholarship in partnership with McDonald’s, established by Navaratnam Partheeban (OBE) who is a member of the Federation. The scholarship is available to people of colour who are interested in farming and food production, who are resident within the UK and under the age of 30.
