Policies and Strategies

The School of Mathematics' Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan outlines a cohesive School-wide approach to promoting diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all students and staff. This works in conjunction with University-wide EDI policies and Strategy.

The 2010 Equality Act recognises 9 characteristics which are protected against discrimination and unfair treatment by law. These are: 

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage and civil partnership
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation  

The School of Mathematics also recognises further characteristics with which an individual could be considered disadvantaged, including but not limited to:

  • Socio-economic background
  • Caring responsibilities or family circumstances
  • Trade union membership
  • Nationality
  • Refugee or migrant status

EDI Strategy and Action Plan

An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey was taken by students and staff in June 2022, and the results of this survey are being used to help formulate an EDI Strategy and Action Plan for the School.

If you require either document in another format, please contact the Director of EDI.

Strategy

Our strategy outlines the values which underpin the School of Mathematics' committment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and details the aims to be carried out over the next few years.

 

Action Plan

Our action plan sets forth the targeted and tangible measures we are undertaking in order to fulfill the aims outlined in the strategy. Note that the action plan is reviewed regularly will be updated as required, including developments of existing actions and additions of new actions.

We welcome additional suggestions submitted through our Suggestion Box.

 

University policies and strategies

For insight into the broader University EDI stratgies and policies, please see the below.

 

Athena SWAN

Athena SWAN is a popular charter for STEM schools to apply to, operating on a gold, silver, and bronze scheme and awarding schools a certification based on their action plan for promoting women in STEM. In 2015, the charter was extended to the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and law. More information about the charter is available on the Athena SWAN website.

Until April 2022, the School of Mathematics held the Athena SWAN award at Bronze level. Following the expiry of this award, the School has made the decision to not reapply for a new award. Instead, efforts are focused on using the time and resources to better enact positive change within the School.

Thanks to being involved with Athena SWAN over the years, the School has recognised the extent of EDI issues that intersect with gender equality. Going beyond a single charter however, will allow us to use the time to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in other ways, including increasing diversity through hiring, decolonising the curriculum, addressing issues with work-life balance, and other initiatives which will improve community in the School. For details on current EDI initiatives, please see the School's EDI Action Plan and the Initiatives and Events page.

The University as a whole holds an Athena SWAN Silver level award and continues to strengthen its commitment to gender equality across the institution. The School may choose to reapply for an Athena Swan award in the future.

This article was published on