Professor Dinesh Bhugra’s statement on the Independent Review into issues of Racial Equality at Cardiff University’s School of Medicine - 25 January 2017

Professor Dinesh Bhugra's statement regarding the Independent Review into issues of Racial Equality at Cardiff University’s School of Medicine.

Professor Dinesh Bhugra said: “I was asked by Cardiff University to Chair a panel to investigate and make recommendations in response to an incident involving Cardiff University medical students.

“The University should be commended for taking such a proactive step and its commitment to independent scrutiny, openness and transparency. It has been a complex situation which the School of Medicine and the University responded to in a fair and suitable manner.

“It was clear from our work that the situation has been the cause of a tremendous amount of stress amongst the student year group in particular. It should be an immediate priority for the University to bring forward plans for a programme that can build bridges amongst those closest to the incident.

“Whilst the University and School of Medicine did their best to deal with this incident in accordance with its established procedures our report does highlight a number of specific and overarching issues that the University needs to consider and address.

“Our recommendations are intended to help the University avoid similar incidents in future and address wider equality and diversity issues identified.

“We are encouraged by the extremely positive way the University – at all levels - engaged with our work and its clear commitment to equality and diversity. We also welcome the University’s commitment to take action in response to our recommendations.”