Equality and Diversity

Welcome to the School of Health in Social Science Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages.

On these pages, you will find information relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion activity in the School as well as links to the Equalities Act 2010, the University’s Dignity and Respect policy and other relevant policy documents.

The Dignity and Respect policy and the Equalities Act 2010 provide a framework for students and staff to understand the requirements and expectations in relation to equality and diversity. Within the School, we aim to develop a culture that values everybody and we expect that our staff and students will contribute to the development of this culture.

If you feel that your rights, as set out in these policies, are not being upheld it is important that you contact our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Director.

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work is driven forward by a School committee chaired by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Co-ordinator. This work engages with the School’s Teaching and Learning strategy and Athena Swan. A list of committee members can be found at the bottom of this page. If you would like to get involved in any of our work or have any comments about the information on these pages please contact our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Co-ordinator.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Director

Amy Chandler: a.chandler@ed.ac.uk 

The Equality Act

The equality bill which received royal assent on 8 April 2010, becoming the Equality Act 2010 and came into force on 1st October 2010.

The Act consolidates current anti-discrimination legislation and also introduces new measures that will have direct implications for higher education institutions (HEIs).

The Equality Act provides a single legal framework with clear, streamlined law that will be more effective at tackling disadvantage and discrimination. It brings disability, sex, race and other grounds of discrimination within one piece of legislation which covers nine protected characteristics.

Find out more about the Equality Act on the University equality and diversity webpages

The Athena Swan Plan

In 2017, we were delighted to receive a Silver Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM). Our Silver Award recognises the development of gender equality in the School and we are now working together to implement the initiatives set out in our Action Plan.

June 2017 Athena Swan Plan

Student and Staff Development

Information, policies, guidelines and resources including HR policies, scholarship information, policies to support work life balance, clubs and societies.

Widening Participation

Find out more about widening participation, our inclusive curriculum and available learning resources.

Health, safety and wellbeing

Health and Safety information including policies and information about accessibility and mental health services.

School Culture

Find out more about our inclusive culture in the School, University campaigns and Let's Gather events.