Principles of engagement

The Legacies of Enslavement Special Initiative is a network aiming to amplify, support and collaborate with existing programmes. It avoids duplicating efforts and instead seeks to extend reach and impact through partnership. 

 Guiding values

  • Recognise and take responsibility for the University’s historical entanglement with slavery.
  • Commit to inclusive engagement and redress for communities impacted by colonial legacies.
  • Foster respectful, long-term collaborations across local, national, and international contexts.
  • Encourage critical self-examination and institutional change through open discussion and academic excellence.
  • Engage with stakeholders in a spirit of openness, recognising the University has much to learn. 

 Putting principles into practice

The Initiative’s work is organised into three areas: 

  1. Research and institutional development
    1. Support rigorous academic research into Cambridge’s historical links to slavery and colonialism.
    2. Prioritise leadership and collaboration with scholars and institutions from the African diaspora.
    3. Promote visibility and integration of Legacies-related work across the University.
  2. Community engagement
    1. Collaborate meaningfully with Black British communities and the wider African diaspora.
    2. Ensure inclusive participation in shaping research, public engagement, and institutional reflection.
    3. Create space for open dialogue, mutual respect, and freedom of expression.
  3. Global partnerships
    1. Build fair and enduring relationships with institutions and students in regions most affected by slavery.
    2. Let priorities be shaped by the needs and objectives of partner communities.
    3. Learn from external organisations with long-standing expertise in this space.