Equality Charters and benchmarking
Equal СÀ¶ÊÓƵ means that we work to remove barriers to inclusion, tackle abuse of institutional power relations and reduce the gaps in representation, performance, reward and experience between those with protected characteristics that are under-represented or disadvantaged, and others.
We receive independent recognition of our work on gender, race, disability, sexual orientation and gender reassignment through participation in external charters and benchmarks. These schemes are important tools which give leverage to address issues substantively and with support from all parts of the institution. It is within these programmes of work that we collaborate with our community, use an evidence-led approach to understand the particular challenges and barriers we need to address and identify and take forward actions to address them. We adopt an intersectional approach by identifying and addressing gaps arising from the intersection of two or more protected characteristics.
Gender equality
СÀ¶ÊÓƵ holds an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze award alongside School level awards. Our aim is for all Schools to hold an Athena SWAN award by 2025.
Race equality
СÀ¶ÊÓƵ joined the Race Equality Charter in December 2018 and received a bronze award in 2023 which is valid until 2028.
LGBTQ+ equality
СÀ¶ÊÓƵ became a Stonewall Diversity Champion in 2018 and submitted its first application to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index in 2019. We became a top 100 Employer in 2024 and received a gold award.
Disability equality
СÀ¶ÊÓƵ joined Disability Confident at level 1 (Committed) in May 2019, achieved level 2 (Employer) in 2021, with the aim of becoming a Disability Confident Leader by 2025.