Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Theme

A message from Professor Bob Cryan, our Vice-Chancellor

The University of Huddersfield is deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion for all its students and staff. Our vision is to provide an inclusive learning and working environment in a culture of mutual respect and dignity, where all staff and students are valued for their contribution and able to reach their full potential. The Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Framework 2020 - 2025 sets out the vision, objectives and strategy for equality, diversity and inclusion at the University. We have already embraced a number of initiatives to further support our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion journey. These include:

• Signing up to the Race Equality Charter (REC) in Autumn 2020.  The framework supports us in working towards positive improvements in representation and narrowing of racial inequalities across the University community.
• Becoming a member of the Stonewall Global Diversity Champions programme in 2019. We are committed to supporting our Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and non-binary (LGBT+) staff and students and providing an inclusive and welcoming staff and student experience.
• Being a member of the Athena SWAN Gender Equality Charter since 1st October 2015 and in 2020 renewed its Bronze Award.
• As a Disability Confident Employer we are committed to improving how we recruit, retain and progress disabled people in order to further develop and maintain an inclusive and accessible environment.
• We have held an HR Excellence in Research Award since 2011 communicating our commitment to supporting the careers of researchers.

We welcome and support the development of staff networks which provide an opportunity for staff who share a protected characteristic to network, obtain peer support and share information.  They can also offer opportunities for staff to inform University policy on equality related issues and topics. Our current staff networks are:

• Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans*, Queer and Intersex + (LGBTQI+) Staff Network
• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network
• Staff Disability Network
• Women’s Staff Network

Further information can be found on our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.