Race Equality North Somerset (RENS) is part of the South West Race Equity Research Network (SWRERN) that has secured nearly £1 million in funding.

This funding, from UK Research and Innovation through the Community Research Networks programme, will help to challenge power imbalances in traditional research ecosystems.

Its aim is to centre black and minoritised people, while delivering positive change in the region.

The Young Foundation, a non-profit organisation, will help deliver the project.

Funds will be used to achieve five main goals, including building capacity and confidence in using research and data in the racial justice community sector across the South West.

The network also plans to explore digital technology and tools for equitable cross-sector knowledge co-production.

Sado Jirde, director at Black South West Network, one of the partners, said: "The creation of the South West Race Equity Research Network is a ground-breaking opportunity for the racial justice sector and racialised communities across the South West of England.

"Being funded £1m directly from UKRI, the network will invest in building the sector’s capacity, ownership and leadership of knowledge-production.

"It will unlock a new level of exploration around the meaning of research and the role that community knowledge can play in dismantling racial inequalities."