Equality, Diversity & Inclusion News

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This year Computer Science have signed up to be part of the Levelling Up: Maths for Computer Science scheme, with a specific aim to support female and non binary students in STEM.

In October 2025 we launched a new initiative to support our students who are the first in their family to attend university. We know that these students can face unique challenges, and who better to offer advice and support than staff who have walked a similar path?
We introduced "First in Family" badges for staff who were the first in their family to go to university. By wearing a badge, staff can now signal to students that they are open to discussing their experience and offering guidance.

Are you an academic who has taken maternity, adoption, or surrogacy leave? The Women Academic Returners' Programme (WARP) is designed to help you get back to your research.
A recent review showed that over the last five years, WARP has supported more than 100 women. The data is clear: women who used the program were three times more likely to progress in their careers than those who were eligible but didn't apply. This program is a key part of our efforts to close the gender pay gap.
The WARP application window is now open. Please help us spread the word to eligible colleagues. You can direct them to the WARP webpage for more information, including the updated application forms and guidance.
If you or a colleague have any questions, you can reach the WARP team at warp@sheffield.ac.uk

We’re proud to announce that this year our university will once again be a Gold Supporter of the 2025 Lovelace Colloquium. This continued support reflects our strong commitment to EDI, as well as our dedication to empowering the next generation through education. The Colloquium plays a vital role in celebrating and supporting women and non-binary people in computing, and we are delighted to be part of this important initiative.

For Autism Awareness week, Nick Michau, the Student Union's Disabled and Neurodivergent Students Officer and one of our MEng students, has put out a nice 'myth-busting' Instagram reel.

In April 2025, we welcomed a large group of Girl Guides to the Diamond. This has come about as part of our Ambassador's module, which Andy Charlesworth leads. With Neil Walkinshaw, our Inclusive Computing lead, they came up with an idea to place one of the students with this Penistone-based scouts group. One of the main themes of the scheme is encouraging girls to take up computer science, and we support this with materials from the National Centre for Computing Education's I Belong programme. Girlguiding's main tagline is "We help all girls know they can do anything". As part of the module, students have to organise a 'special project' such as a coding club, competition or, in this case, a visit to The Diamond with some computing activity. Our student, Maria, also designed the badge for the event that all the attendees will receive; this is one of the traditional high-quality woven badges that can be added to their collection.

In March 2025, as part of our Inclusive Computing Activities we have worked with the student ambassador module to organise a Mini Open Day for Longley Park School to come and visit our School and the Diamond and experience some hands on activities.