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EDI | Race Equality Working Group

Learn how the DCU Race Equality Working Group are ensuring the University undertakes its work to embed race equality.
10 people at the race equality action plan launch

About

The Race Equality Working Group was established in June 2024 to lead DCU’s work on advancing race equality and to develop a comprehensive action plan aligned with the HEA Race Equality Principles for Higher Education Institutions and the University’s Athena Swan Action Plan.

Comprising representatives from across the University community, the Working Group provides strategic direction and ensures that DCU’s approach to race equality is informed by the voices and experiences of both staff and students. Its role is to help embed race equality in a way that is inclusive, evidence-based, and reflective of national commitments to anti-racism.

In October 2025, the group launched DCU’s Race Equality Framework and Action Plan 2025–2028, setting out a clear roadmap for building an inclusive university where people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds can feel valued, respected, and supported to succeed.

Objectives

  • Engage with students and staff to gain a more in-depth understanding of peoples’ perspectives and lived experiences concerning race/ethnicity in DCU. 

  • Review existing DCU policies and practices related to race equality and identify areas for improvement.

  • Develop a comprehensive Institutional Race Equality Action plan that aligns with HEA Anti-Racism Principles and Athena Swan Action plan to eliminate barriers and enhance equality.

  • Promote awareness and understanding of race equality issues within the university community which may include awareness raising programmes, trainings, webinars, etc.

  • Monitor the progress of race equality initiatives and report on their effectiveness.

Membership

Three people in a meeting

Working Group Membership

  • Gertrude Rufai, Student Support & Development, Chair

  • Deirdre Moloney, Student Support & Development, Deputy Chair

  • Abimael Barbosa, Global Recruitment
  • Briana Fitzsimons, Centre for Human Rights and Citizenship Education

  • Dr. Claire Bohan, Student Support & Development

  • Dr. Simon Dunne, School of Psychology

  • Dr. Yuhui Gao, DCU Business School

  • Inmaculada Gómez Soler, DCU School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies

  • Lorna Greene, DCU People / Student Support & Development

  • Harry Mallon, DCU Access Service

  • Dr. Niamh McGuirk, School of Human Development

  • Malha Muhammed, DCU Student Union

  • Meghmala Mukherjee, Anti-Bullying Centre

  • Podge Sheehan, Office of Student Life

  • Rachel Power, DCU People

  • Dr. Mohammed Amine Togou, Faculty of Engineering and Computing