Equality is important to us and our objectives were developed and updated during the 2022-23 year. Our objectives help us remain vigilant − to value, promote and celebrate inclusion, challenge discrimination, and keep belonging at the heart of everything we do. Each objective is underpinned by a clear action. We report on progress against these each year.
Equality objectives
Nurture high aspirations
Nurture high aspirations and ensure all students are supported to achieve their true potential by identifying and overcoming barriers, particularly for under-represented groups.
Action: to achieve 100% of the relevant Access and Participation Plan (APP) objectives.
Foster an environment where everyone is treated with dignity
Engage proactively in fostering an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and combating discrimination.
Actions:
- #BeTheChange training modules to be made available for students and staff to access
- introduce person-centred, values based informal employee relations practices to enhance positive behaviour when dealing with complaints, concerns and conflict
Make our environment accessible
Seek to make our environment accessible, leading to a more inclusive environment where all members of our community can thrive.
Action: identify areas for improvement across our Estate to address key issues and gaps in provision which limit accessibility for our community.
Foster a culture of inclusion
Foster a culture of inclusion by building institutional confidence through our contributions to charters and awards.
Actions:
- continue to advance our gender equality through Athena SWAN initiatives, with at least one department advancing to Gold by 2026
- apply for Race Equality Charter Bronze status by July 2025
- renew our commitment as a Disability Confident Leader by July 2023 (this was renewed in April 2023)
- successfully renew our University of Sanctuary award by October 2023 (this has been submitted)
- mental Health Charter awarded by May 2023 (this was awarded in October 2024)
Ensure all staff feel welcomed and supported
Ensure all staff feel welcomed and supported by identifying barriers and putting remedial actions in place.
Actions:
- commit to reviewing equality of pay for underrepresented groups, as well as continuing to reduce the gender pay gap
- commit to supporting staff returning from maternity leave or shared paternity leave