Equality, diversity and inclusion

The Loughborough University community is a diverse body of people with different perspectives, values and attitudes. We seek to promote an inclusive environment where such differences are shared and valued; where any unfair treatment or discrimination is challenged; and where all individuals are able to reach their full potential regardless of their background.

Our commitment to staff

Creating a diverse, respectful and inclusive culture is a key priority within our People and Organisational Development Strategy. By delivering positive actions, we hope to achieve: • An inclusive, welcoming and vibrant culture in which all colleagues and students feel valued, respected and engaged. • Increased diversity within the academic community, professional services and leadership communities. • Better representation within the University’s decision-making forums. • Equal opportunity for all through identifying and removing systematic barriers. • The University’s leadership will work to embed the principles of

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion into the way we work, study and live at Loughborough. For further information visit lboro.ac.uk/our-people

Our commitment to students

Values of equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded into all aspects of student life at Loughborough. The Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service are there to support our students should they face any issues, as well as the Welfare and Diversity section of Loughborough Students’ Union (LSU), who work to ensure a student’s time at Loughborough is the best it can possibly be. They provide support and empower diverse and underrepresented student groups, to ensure everyone has a voice within LSU and University settings.

Our commitments to all

The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter which aims to improve the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students and provides a framework through which we can work to identify and self-reflect on institutional and cultural barriers standing in the way of minority ethnic staff and students.

In 2019 the University was made a Stonewall Diversity Champion, recognising our institution’s commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for the LGBT+ community. www.stonewall.org.uk

The University is a Disability Confident Employer, a government initiative that sets out our commitment to challenge attitudes to and increase understanding of disability, as well as our commitment to removing any barriers that people with disabilities or long-term health conditions might face in the workplace.

The University is committed to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, which are designed to address global challenges, including gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peace, justice and strong institutions. www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment

The University has also signed up to Trans Rights are Human Rights campaign, pledging to value and support the trans community.

Staff and student networks

Both the University and LSU have established a number of critical networks which offer support and guidance to members and have a voice in influencing strategy.

These include:

Staff groups

• Black and Minority Ethnic Network • Inclusivity Group • LGBT+ Staff Group • Maia – Loughborough’s Women’s Network • International Staff Group • Part-time Workers’ Group • Parents’ and Carers’ Network Student groups

• Ethnic Minorities Network • Disability Support Network • Loughborough LGBT+ Association • Loughborough’s Women’s Network • International Students’ Network • Mature Students’ Association • Heads up

Mental health

The University became the first higher education institution in the UK to host a Mental Health Mates walk, a national network of peer support groups who regularly meet to talk and walk without fear of judgement.

In 2020 the University launched LU Wellbeing, an app that supports staff and students to lead a healthy and happier lifestyle.

Athena SWAN

The University holds the bronze institutional award for Athena Swan, which highlights our commitment to recruiting, retaining and promoting women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in higher education.

OF OUR 9 SCHOOLS HAVE RECEIVED ATHENA SWAN AWARDS

Find out more about the initiatives and actions we take to ensure that we provide an inclusive environment for everyone involved with the University, at: