Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

“The University's commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and Dignity & Respect

At the University of Edinburgh, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our people. Whatever your background, identity, or life experience, you have a place here.

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and make a meaningful contribution to our teaching, research, and wider community — guided by our work to ensure that all staff and students can flourish in a supportive, respectful, and inclusive space.

Celebrating diversity at the University of Edinburgh

Our commitment

Our Equality Outcomes set out our vision for how the University will advance equality, diversity, and inclusion across our community. It guides our work to ensure that all staff and students can thrive in a supportive, inclusive, and respectful environment. 

We take harassment and discrimination seriously. The launch of Report + Support provides a confidential and informal platform for staff and students to report concerns and access guidance, reinforcing our commitment to a safer and respectful community.

Why join us

Diversity is at the heart of innovation and excellence. When you join the University of Edinburgh, you become part of a community that celebrates difference and works together to make a positive impact.  
Here’s how we support our people:  

  • Prayer and contemplation spaces across campus   
  • EDI learning modules to help you grow   
  • Dedicated hubs focusing on recruitment, disability, neuroinclusion, faith and belief, gender, LGBT+ equality, family and carers, and anti-racism   
  • Staff networks offering peer support and opportunities to influence positive change, including: 
  • Disabled Staff Network  
  • Edinburgh Race Equality Network  
  • Jewish Staff Network  
  • Muslim Staff Network
  • Staff Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network  
  • Staff Pride Network  

We actively work to address under-representation, leadership gaps, and barriers to career progression, benefiting women and other groups facing similar challenges. We are proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver award, recognising our commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education.

We are committed to anti-racism through the University's Race Review, which shapes our actions to dismantle systemic barriers and promote racial equality. This includes implementing resources such as our Anti-Racist Training Programme and the Anti-Racist Hub, designed to empower staff and students to create a respectful and inclusive environment.

Your journey starts here

When you join us, you’ll become part of a community that strives to foster spaces where everyone can thrive. Our inclusive culture seeks to connect you with supportive networks and provide resources to enhance your wellbeing and success. From prayer and contemplation spaces across campus to EDI learning modules and staff networks, we offer tools and opportunities to help you feel valued and empowered. 

At the University of Edinburgh, we embrace flexibility and celebrate diversity of thought, cultivating an environment where your ideas matter and your individuality drives innovation. The University is not just a place to work — it’s a place to belong and make a meaningful impact.

Discover more  

Your voice matters here. Learn more about our initiatives, resources, and inclusive practices on our EDI webpages:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion(EDI) webpages 

This article was published on