From Awareness to Leadership: Introducing the Race Equity Maturity Index (REMI)

On 16th September 2025, Voice4Change England brought together VCSE leaders and stakeholders for the “Race Equity in Action” event—a powerful introduction to the Race Equity Maturity Index (REMI). Developed by the Race Equality Foundation and informed by sector-wide feedback following piloting, REMI was presented as a vital self-assessment tool enabling organisations to progress from ‘being aware’ to ‘championing’ in anti-racism. 

Amanda Simon, Senior Researcher at the Race Equality Foundation, explained that REMI’s development stemmed from recognising the need for a structured, practical pathway for embedding race equity across diverse organisations. REMI’s six stages—being aware, showing commitment, implementing, embedding, creating, and championing—provide a comprehensive framework enabling organisations to assess their current position, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans for transformative change. 

Feedback from pilots in NHS Trusts and other settings was shared—highlighting that while time and resources remain challenges, collaboration and peer partnerships can offer solutions. Importantly, REMI isn’t an “extra” task but a benchmark for good practice that can be aligned to existing strategies and activities. 

The event also underscored the critical role of leadership buy-in and peer learning, alongside plans to develop accessible guidance and showcase successful examples to build sector confidence.  

The REMI is now being piloted within the VCSE sector, marking an exciting new phase in its development. Updated to reflect the unique contexts and needs of voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations, the framework is being applied to help embed race equity across diverse settings. This pilot stage is a collaborative process, designed not only to test out how the REMI works in practice within the sector but also to refine it further based on lived experiences and organisational learning. The aim is to ensure the tool is both meaningful and adaptable, supporting VCSE organisations of all sizes to strengthen their commitment to race equity in sustainable and measurable ways. 

As the VCSE REMI pilot continues to roll out, VCSE organisations are invited to take part—helping refine the tool and, in turn, strengthening the sector’s collective ability to tackle racial inequality. This event marks the beginning of a united, evidence-driven journey toward race equity for all.  

Voice4Change England aims to support the REMI piloting and reiterated its commitment to supporting BME VCSE organisations, offering infrastructure support, tailored needs assessments, and connections to ongoing peer networks. 

Complete this short form to register your organisation’s interest in the REMI for the VCSE sector.