Living Black at University Commission: Update

CUBO and Unite Students are issuing a joint update on the Living Black at University Commission. Unite Students has confirmed that its formal sponsorship will conclude in April 2026. This is a planned organisational decision and not a reflection of the Commission or its impact.

The Commission will continue into its next phase, and is beginning preparations to identify future sponsors to support the ongoing development of this important work.

Background

Since the publication of the Living Black at University research in 2022, the Commission has played a pivotal role in addressing racial inequities in student accommodation. Unite Students led the formation of the Commission and supported its first phase, which delivered toolkits and good‑practice guidance in 2023.

From 2024, CUBO and Unite Students jointly led Phase Two, strengthening anti‑racist practice and supporting more inclusive approaches across accommodation and campus services. This work has built strong foundations for the Commission’s future.

Statement from Melissa Browne, CUBO Chair

The Living Black at University Commission continues to be a key priority for CUBO, and we remain committed to ensuring its momentum carries forward.

Unite Students has informed us that its formal sponsorship will conclude in April 2026 as part of a wider organisational realignment. We extend our deepest thanks for their partnership and the foundational role they have played in establishing and advancing this work.

This transition marks the start of a new phase. CUBO remains fully committed to the Commission’s mission, and we look forward to working with partners and members to shape its future.

Statement from Carol Thomas, Outgoing Chair of the Living Black at University Commission

As Chair of the Commission, I want to reassure colleagues that the work of Living Black at University continues with clarity and purpose. The Commission exists because the original research highlighted systemic issues that require collective sector action, and that commitment remains unchanged.

I would also like to acknowledge Unite Students for the role they have played in supporting the Commission’s work so far.

While the sponsorship transition represents a shift, it does not disrupt our direction. We will continue to support institutions, centre Black students’ lived experiences and build on the strong collaborations established over the past two phases.

Our focus now is on ensuring a smooth transition and preparing the Commission for the next stage of its development.

Statement from Unite Students

Living Black at University is a powerful example of how our sector has achieved meaningful change, when we’ve confronted difficult truths, committed to shared principles, and worked collectively with purpose.

The founding of the Living Black at University Commission and its subsequent work stems from Unite Students commissioning and funding of the original study, undertaken to help understand how Black students were navigating student accommodation across the UK and identify which systems were failing to deliver equity.

The significance of this work has not diminished since the initial research was released. Over the past four years we’ve remained closely aligned to the work, with a particular focus on how we operationalise the recommendations outlined by the Commission.

In 2026, we enter a new chapter, as our formal sponsorship of the Commission concludes in April. However, our commitment to the cause and meaningful action continues.

Unite Students will continue to champion the Commission’s mission and to advocate for the changes needed across the sector.

Progress so far has been significant, but there is still much to do.

Next Steps

The Living Black at University Commission will now work with CUBO to begin identifying new sponsors to support the next phase of work. Our priority is continuity, and ensuring the progress made so far is protected and supported.

We welcome interest from organisations who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and we will continue to update members as plans develop.

If you’d like to find out more about sponsoring the Commission, please email us at contact@cubo.ac.uk.

Commission Leadership Update

As the commission prepares for its next phase, Carol Thomas has stepped down from her role as Chair of the Living Black at University Commission. Both CUBO and the Commission want to thank Carol for her exceptional leadership over the past year. She has made a significant impact on the sector and we are truly grateful for all her contributions.

The position of Chair will shortly become vacant, and the Commission in partnership with CUBO, will begin the process of advertising and appointing a new Chair of the commission. In the interim, Melissa Browne will step into the role until a permanent appointment is made.
 
Further details will be shared with members and partners in due course.