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DPU welcomes outcome of UKRI report on Research England EDI expert advisory group
5 March 2024
The DPU welcome the findings of the UKRI independent report which confirms that there was no substance to the Secretary of State's allegations against our colleagues from DPU, UCL and at Heriot-Watt University and members of the Research England EDI Expert Advisory Group.
The reality in our view is that it was evident from the outset that these allegations were without merit and we believe that they should never have proceeded to formal investigation.
Further, we have the utmost respect for the academic and personal integrity of both of the colleagues named by the Secretary of State and call on all those in leadership positions, whether political, academic or administrative, to recognise and support the urgent need for academics to engage in conscientious, principled and evidence-based debate on the critical challenges that face us.
That includes the responsibility to recognise and to speak up against atrocities and malign actions wherever they might occur. Far from representing support for 鈥榚xtremism鈥�, as claimed by the Secretary of State, reflexive performance of that duty represents a fundamental aspect of our public purpose as academics.
We are nevertheless delighted at the exoneration of our colleagues and applaud the reinstatement of Research England鈥檚 EDI Expert Advisory Group.
On behalf of the staff of the Development Planning Unit (DPU), UCL (University College London).
Prof Michael Walls
DPU Director
A message from Dr Michael Spence,听President and Provost, University College London:
"I am extremely pleased that the UKRI鈥檚 independent investigation has concluded that there is no evidence that Dr Kamna Patel failed to uphold the Nolan Principles or that she was in breach of the terms of reference of the Research England Expert Advisory Group on EDI, to which she gave her time and expertise as Chair. Dr Patel is an esteemed colleague who, in addition to her academic activities, has made important contributions to 宅男视频 EDI work, including as The Bartlett鈥檚 first Vice-Dean (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), in which role she played a big part in the faculty achieving its first Silver Athena SWAN Award, and as co-chair of 宅男视频 Eugenics Inquiry Response Group. We have benefited very much from the rigour, insight and dedication she brought to this work. I have no doubt she will continue to make great contributions to UCL and the wider sector."
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