We recently sat down with outgoing Trustee, Gurch Randhawa to reflect on his six-year tenure with the Race Equality Foundation. Gurch, an esteemed academic with over 30 years of research experience, currently serves as a Professor of Diversity and Public Health at the University of Bedfordshire. His primary focus has been on health inequalities, and before joining the Foundation, he had contributed significantly by writing multiple briefing papers on topics such as structural challenges and opportunities to tackle health inequality; systems approaches to tackling inequalities in organ donation.
In 2017, when the Race Equality Foundation sought new trustees, Gurch eagerly stepped forward, keen to apply his expertise in securing funding and advancing the Foundation’s mission. Over the years, he has witnessed and contributed to the organisation’s growth, helping it become one of the UK’s leading racial equality organisations.
Contributions and Achievements
From the moment he joined, Gurch played a pivotal role in identifying research opportunities, leveraging relationships with external partners like the NHS, and contributing to the strategic development of the organisation. His ability to act as a sounding board while holding the team accountable helped drive the Foundation’s success.
Under the Board of Trustee’s leadership, the Foundation secured substantial funding opportunities, enhanced career progression within the team, and built a national reputation for its efforts in combating racism. One of the most striking moments for Gurch came in the wake of national unrest, where he saw the Foundation emerge as a trusted voice, providing guidance and support to the communities it serves.
Key highlights of Gurch’s time as a Trustee
Gurch emphasised the importance of building strong relationships between trustees and staff. He, and other Trustees, took time to engage with employees, understand their motivations, and ensure that as a collective, the trustees were holding the organisation to account in a supportive, informed way. This has helped create a cohesive, dedicated team.
In terms of projects, Gurch highlighted the significant achievements of the Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities initiative, which has gone from strength to strength under the Foundation’s leadership. By tapping into the strengths and community links of staff, the team was able to open up new funding opportunities, benefitting both the organisation and the communities it serves. This initiative exemplifies the Foundation’s expertise in showcasing its work, diversifying its income base, and solidifying its reputation as a leader in tackling racism and promoting community cohesion.
Advice for Future Trustees
For anyone considering becoming a trustee of the Race Equality Foundation, Gurch has a clear message:
“We’re looking for people with energy, enthusiasm, and expertise—not those who are content to just ‘go along for the ride’—but people who are ready to contribute to the mission.”
The Foundation is a welcoming and passionate organisation, where everyone is committed to social justice and tackling racial inequality. It’s a great opportunity for like-minded individuals to join an organisation that’s serious about making a difference.
Reflecting on his time as a Trustee, Gurch said,
“At the heart of the Foundation’s leadership is a dynamic group of Trustees who bring their diverse skills and expertise to the table to help nurture and grow an ambitious organisation that strives to improve the lives of Britain’s Black, Asian, and minoritised communities.”
As Gurch steps down from his Trustee role, the legacy of his contributions will continue to shape the future of the Race Equality Foundation.
Interested in applying to be a Trustee?
Click here.
Closing date is Tuesday 5 November at 5pm.
