Equality and Diversity

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are core values in the School of Health in Social Science, and inform all of our work. The School has an active EDI committee, chaired by the EDI Director, who also sits on the School’s Senior Management Committee. 

Originally, EDI in the School of Health in Social Science was focused around gender equality, and the Athena Swan Charter. For several years now, this remit has expanded to incorporate EDI more broadly, whilst maintaining our activity relating to Athena Swan. While a key focus is on ‘protected characteristics’ which represent legal requirements of all work in the School, we take a broad view, and consider other aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion. In particular, this incorporates Widening Participation and attending to the impact of socioeconomic background and status on the ability of staff and students to achieve their goals.

Activities that the EDI Committee are engaged in include: 

  • Monitoring progress and actions in relation to Athena Swan 
  • Supporting work on decolonisation in higher education 
  • Administering staff and student-led EDI funding opportunities 
  • Hosting EDI-related seminars and training 

Equality and Diversity Committee Membership

Mel BowdenSally Brown
Clara CaliaAmy Chandler
Catherine ClarissaLorraine Close
Kate CoxonMarisa De Andrade
Maria GardaniKarri Gillespie-Smith
Jamie Kennedy-TurnerNini Kerr
Harriet RidleyEwelina Rydzewska-Fazekas
Ivo Tamahkyarov 

Relevant University Policies

The University supports and promotes many initiatives in all areas of equality. Find out more about the role of EDI at the University from the links below.


University-wide EDI Networks

The University has a number of staff and student-led EDI networks, which are open for any staff or students to join.