Skip to main content
University Strategy
Students walking on a cobbled street

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Groups of students sitting and standing on grass with Durham Cathedral in the background

We seek out every opportunity to use our research to make a difference in the wider world in challenging areas such as social inequality and injustice. We have already made important strides in addressing fairness, equity, respect, diversity and inclusion, thanks to the significant efforts of our staff and students.   

Our commitment is to now build on these foundations by advancing a more progressive and inclusive culture for prospective staff and students to further attract, retain and develop outstanding people from all backgrounds and identities. This includes groups that are currently under-represented, such as those from Ethnic Minority, LGBT+ or Disabled communities and people from communities living in areas of disadvantage. 

We are working to increase our diversity at all levels and enhance a sense of belonging and community in our staff and students.
University Strategy
2017-2027

What we already do well:

  • We have appointed a new post of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (EDI), putting equality, diversity and inclusion at the centre of our activities.  
  • We achieved a Bronze Race Equality Charter (REC) award in 2022. The REC’s mission is to improve the representation, experience, progression and success of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students within higher education.  
  • We are reducing pay gaps. We publish information on pay diversity including our ethnicity pay gap data and pay award distribution, along with Gender Pay, Disability and Intersectional Pay gaps. 
  • We have collaborated with our staff and student networks to develop more focused support for our equality communities.   
  • We have developed and implemented a workplace passport and resource hub to further support colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions. 

We will:

  • Embed a more inclusive approach in our structures, decision-making and planning so that it becomes second nature.        
  • Develop the leadership attributes of our staff to further promote a commitment to excellence and inclusivity. 
  • Establish a working culture of equity, shared responsibility, working well together, career tracks, recognising and celebrating hard work, success, and achievement.
  • Set ambitious goals for widening student access and participation and build a sense of belonging and community. 
  • Initiate our Durham Mathematics School as a new beacon for access to STEM subjects.