Use of language
Why we no longer use the term ‘BAME’
The term BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) has long been used in institutional publications where data is being presented and/or discussed in relation to ethnicity, typically in a context linked to the protected characteristic of race.
However, the term has faced criticism over recent years for:
- over-generalisation: grouping diverse communities under one label.
- exclusion: overlooking other ethnic identities.
In March 2021, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities recommended that the government discontinue the use of the term BAME. Similarly, one of the recommendations in the final report on COVID-19 disparities, published in December 2021, was to refer to ethnic minority groups individually, rather than as a single group.
Best practice for categorisation
Following a period of consultation with staff and students, in June 2025 Senate therefore approved the replacement of 'BAME' as a broad umbrella term with the use of specific (or expanded) ethnic group categorisations, wherever possible.
All members of our community should therefore adopt the following approach when referring to ethnic group categorisation in all university communications, discussions, and reports:
1. Use specific (or expanded) ethnic group categorisations, as follows:
Asian or Asian British
- Indian
- Pakistani
- Bangladeshi
- Chinese
- Any other Asian background
Black, Black British, Caribbean or African
- Caribbean
- African
- Any other Black, Black British, or Caribbean background
Mixed or multiple ethnic groups
- White and Black Caribbean
- White and Black African
- White and Asian
- Any other Mixed or multiple ethnic background
White
- English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British
- Irish
- Gypsy or Irish Traveller
- Roma
- Any other White background
Other ethnic group
- Arab
- Any other ethnic group
These categories are aligned with UK Government standards.
2. Use the term ‘ethnic minority groups’ as a substitute only when the use of specific categorisations (as listed above) is not feasible.
Exceptions
The University’s current Access & Participation Plan (APP) references the term 'ABMO', but this guidance will be used for the next rewrite.
Recommendations for writing about ethnicity
When creating documents, reports and charts, please adopt the following:
- use specific (or expanded) ethnic group categorisations with expanded categorisations listed alphabetically, and ‘other ethnic group’, as the final category.
- align with UK government guidelines by avoiding the term ‘non-White’.
Further resources
For further guidance on inclusive language and categorisation, explore the following resources: