The University of Hertfordshire is committed to advancing equality of opportunity, celebrating the diversity of our community, and fostering an inclusive culture. The EDI Office supports the University to become a more inclusive and fairer place, where students and staff feel valued and respected and have an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents; to develop, progress, be rewarded, and recognized.
Who we are?
The Equality Diversity & Inclusion Office team:
- Mohammed Ilyas - Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Julia Ratcliffe - Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Charters Manager
- Julia Good - Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer
- Emily Crouch - Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Support Officer
- Kate Rhodes - Student Support Advisor (EDI and Sexual Violence)
If you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch with the EDI Office via EDI@herts.ac.uk and we'd be happy to help.
What support does the EDI Office offer?
- Resources and information for students with protected characteristics and particular needs during the COVID-19 crisis
- Information for students who identify as LGBT+
- Trans-inclusive guidance and more about the Gender-Neutral Toilet project
- Information for student carers, particularly during COVID-19
- Bullying and harassment support through developing, managing and supporting the Dignity and Respect Advisor Network and Bullying and Harassment Investigators Network
- Black Lives Matter information and resources
- Reporting Centre for vicitims of Hate Crime
- Advice and signposting for domestic abuse and partner violence
What else do the EDI Office do?
Our work also includes:
- Working to advance gender equality for all in higher education through Athena SWAN
- Advising the institution on putting in place actions to improve the representation, progression and success of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff and students through the Race Equality Charter - we are one of only 14 universities across the UK to hold a Bronze award for REC
- Advancing other areas of equality such as disability (Disability Confident Scheme) and sexual orientation/gender reassignment (Stonewall)
- Celebrating diversity through ongoing events (LGBT History Month, Black History Month, Carers Week etc.) and the development of a Diversity Calendar
- Supporting eight Staff Networks (BAME, Working Parents, LGBT+, Menopause, Academic Women's Advancement Group, Women Professors, Disability and Wellbeing, and Carers)
- Collaborating with Widening Access and Student Success and the Students' Union and Student Societies
- Advising on legal requirements and good practice in relation to the Equality Act 2010
- Working to help achieve our Equality Objectives for 2020-2025 including: (1) addressing the under-representation of senior academic women; (2) increasing the number of BAME teaching staff and BAME staff in senior positions; (3) reducing the BAME attainment gap by half, with the ultimate aim of closing the gap completely
- Consulting and engaging with staff and students
- Developing policies and leading on Equality Impact Assessments for new and existing policies
- Delivering training and raising awareness (Trans awareness, Unconscious Bias, Dignity and Respect, Equality and Diversity Essentials, Cultural Awareness)
Why do we do it?
We are passionate about our work and we know you’re most probably wondering why we do what we do. Equality and Diversity come under legal compliance through the Equality Act 2010 and other pieces of the legislation. However, we believe that the moral imperative will always take precedence over this. Ensuring that people can come to university to study and work whilst feeling safe to be themselves and to perform to their best abilities without fear of harassment or discrimination is simply the right thing to do.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is also a business imperative that can offer a competitive advantage to attract and retain the best staff and students, it makes us better as an institution.
Contacts us:
Contact us via edi@herts.ac.uk and a member of the team we'll get back to you within 3 working days.
Follow the EDI Office on Twitter @UHEquality or Instagram @uhedioffice to keep up to date with the latest EDI news and events
Interested in learning more? Please feel free to explore our EDI pages on the UH website
