The School of Biological Sciences is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all members, and to supporting all under-represented groups to promote an inclusive culture which values diversity.
As a community, we are working to support and align with the University’s wider initiatives on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and are actively pursuing the approaches in the ‘Race Equality: A Plan for Action’ strategy. We also promote and support the inclusion networks and equality, diversity and wellbeing initiatives available across the University.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Network
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Network is a cross-School collective of proactive individuals who are working across all Departments and Institutes to advocate on equality and diversity matters, as well as widening participation. The Network meet monthly to discuss relevant issues, share best practice and identify priority areas for future intervention.
Athena Swan
The School holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award recognising our commitment to gender equality and to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment for all.
The Athena Swan Charter is a framework used worldwide for promoting and reshaping gender equality in higher education and research settings. It was first established in 2005 to foster and acknowledge efforts to advance the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) employment.
The Charter has since evolved to tackle gender equality more broadly, promoting inclusivity in all roles, including professional and support staff, as well as across arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law.
Race Equality Charter
The Race Equality Charter (REC) is a national scheme that provides a framework for higher education institutions to recognise, investigate and challenge barriers to recruitment, progression and retention of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students.
The University joined the Advance HE's Race Equality Charter in 2016 and received a Bronze award in November 2019. Read more about the University's Race Equality Charter Action Plan.
