Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality aims to create a level playing field where everyone has an equal chance to succeed and thrive.

Equity refers to countering inequalities. These inequalities are ingrained in societal structures, cultural biases, or gatekeeper interests. 

Diversity often refers to protected characteristics like race, ethnicity, gender, and class. But, diversity is not just about the 'right' ratio of people from minoritised groups. It's about valuing and welcoming difference.

Inclusion is closely tied to matters of equality, equity, and diversity. Inclusion means that we create an environment where everyone feels that they belong. 

We are using these principles in our work and relationships. We are in the School for Social Care Research at Sheffield. Here are some examples of how we are doing this:

We are working to improve the diversity of our learning environment, for example by:

• Actively seeking to employ from a diverse range of backgrounds
• We actively seek to recruit students from a diverse range of backgrounds. We also aim to give them tailored support. We will do this throughout their time in the School for Social Care at Sheffield.
• We will create an inclusive and accessible working environment. We will do this by supporting all members of the SSCR community to progress, develop, and flourish.

We are working for more equality, diversity, and inclusion in our research. We do this, for example, by:

• We inform the public about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We help to bring positive change. We do this through our research and how we work with our partners.
• Ensuring diversity in SSCR public seminars and other events we organise 
• Actively seeking to employ research staff from a diversity of backgrounds
• Actively seeking to collaborate with diverse organisations and colleagues
• We offer tailored support for early career researchers. It is in line with the Concordat to Support the Development of Early Career Researchers. 
• We do that through research and teaching. We work with diverse communities. Our work will have a positive impact on people and places.

All staff and students are involved in our work towards greater equality, diversity and inclusion:

• We all must support efforts to foster a culture which promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• We welcome a diverse range of staff. We do this by making workplace changes. These range from flexible working. They also include making workspaces more accessible for people.
• We ensure that job recruitment is non-exclusionary. We encourage a diverse range of applicants.
• Every member of staff identifies an EDI objective as part of their annual appraisal.
• We draw on EDI principles in calls for research grant proposals
• We regularly review progress against the SSCR’s EDI priorities and actions. This shows us where we need to refocus.
• We ensure all staff and students know our EDI Principles. We do this by including the principles in our meetings, committees, and working practices. We also provide training to explain them and raise awareness.