Policies, strategies and objectives

In order to realise this vision we will develop and celebrate a more diverse staff community. The strategy also commits the university to achieving further external recognition for equality and diversity, including through Athena Swan, Stonewall and the Race Equality Charter.

Find out more about our:

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan
• Gender Equality Plan
• Harassment and Bullying

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (pdf) acknowledges the duty of higher education in promoting equality of opportunity and furthering social inclusion. The university recognises the link between equality and excellence in higher education, and we understand that ensuring equality of opportunity is essential for the successful and innovative development of the university and its community.

The overall purpose of the policy is to provide:

• a statement of commitment to equality and diversity within the university
• an outline of the rights and responsibilities to which all members of the university community are expected to adhere

We recommend all members of the university community read the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, as all students and staff have a personal responsibility to its implementation.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan

Inclusivity is one of our core values set out within our university strategy. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan (pdf) details what this means to the university, and sets out our commitments and objectives for further enhancing our approach and practice in this area.

The strategic plan includes our institutional Equality Objectives for 2022-2026, as required by the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act (2010). The objectives are informed by institutional data and research and were developed in consultation with staff and student representatives.

Our equality objectives are centred around the university's five strategic areas. Our strategic plan explores the actions we can take to continue to improve equality, diversity and inclusion as an institution. You can explore these objectives in detail by following the link to our EDI strategy.

We have made substantial progress over the past four years, as recognised by our achievement of our institutional Athena Swan silver award, Race Equality Charter Bronze award and top 100 position in our most recent Stonewall Workplace Equality Index submission, and there are further exciting developments on EDI taking place across the university. For example, our Inclusive Practice Partnerships Scheme where students and staff work together on the co-creation of an inclusive curriculum and our culture of safety and respect for all.

Gender Equality Plan

The University of Brighton is fully committed to providing a fair environment that embodies and promotes equality of opportunity, inclusion and belonging for all our staff and students.

The University of Brighton meets its commitments to gender equality and the requirements of Gender Equality Plan criterion for Horizon Europe through Athena Swan, broader Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work and many other related activities.

Harassment and Bullying

As stated in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, the university is committed to fostering a stimulating, supportive and inclusive learning and working environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and bullying. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment of or by staff, students and visitors.

The Harassment and Bullying Policy (pdf) provides guidance for staff and students who believe that they may be experiencing these negative behaviours.

These policies sit alongside the Student Complaints Procedure (pdf) and the Student Bullying and Harassment Procedure (pdf), which includes support information.