Equity, diversity and inclusion
The IOE is committed to action that will advance social justice.
Our commitment to a positive cultural climate where all can flourish
We aim to acknowledge, understand, and tackle structural inequities and unjust social power imbalances that affect our communities across the faculty.
This means recognising how we got here and what needs to be done to ensure equity, inclusion and belonging for those who are not systemically privileged by our society.
Gender equity
Our work with the Athena Swan charter, which provides a framework to support and transform gender equality within universities.
A Friend of Out@UCL
As a Friend of the Out@UCL network we are an active ally to UCL's LGBTQ+ community, to make UCL a safer, more supportive place to work.
Black Lives Matter.
Our public commitment to our Black staff and students, and how we demonstrate this commitment through concrete actions.
The IOE Dean and Director’s Race Equality Pledges
Our pledges for racial equality promote an anti-racist culture, improve our curriculum and pedagogy, and improve the diversity of our staff profile.
Examples of our research to advance social justice
Best practice in grouping students
Closing the educational inequality gap between disadvantaged students and their more affluent peers, and access to high quality state education regardless of background.
Accountability for gender equality in education
Measuring gender equality in education to support social justice and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Young people's STEM and career aspirations
Supporting increased and wider participation in STEM for social mobility and active citizenship.
Ending gender violence in schools
Addressing school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) to promote safe and supportive learning environments.
Raising standards in Holocaust education
Equipping schools to teach about complex subjects and support them in addressing antisemitism, racism and intolerance.
Retention of teachers from minority ethnic groups in disadvantaged schools
Diversifying the teaching workforce by improving teacher retention.
About IOE’s Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
We:
lead the implementation of UCL’s Equalities and Diversity Strategic Objectives within the faculty,
We:
develop specific equality and diversity objectives and actions for the faculty which reflect the nature of its work and workforce,
We:
assess the effectiveness of relevant monitoring arrangements affecting the faculty,
We:
identify and promote best practice across the faculty on equal opportunities issues, including the guidance and training needs of staff, and support for students and participants in our programmes.
EDI Committee members
Chair of Athena Swan Silver Self-Assessment Team
- Vice-Dean (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion): Professor Victoria Showunmi
Equity Leads
- Disability and Neurodiversity Equity Lead: Catherine Brown
- LGBTQ+ Equity Lead: Simon Liu
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Equity Lead: Elisabeth Herbert
Inclusion Leads
- Department of Culture, Communication and Media: Professor Talia Isaacs and Dr Carol Wild
- Department of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment: Dr Wilton Lodge
- Department of Education, Practice and Society: Dr Meghanne Barker, Dr Laila Kadiwal, and Dr Uma Pradhan
- Department of Learning and Leadership: Dr Eirini Gkouskou and Dr Gideon Sappor
- Department of Psychology and Human Development: Dr Leda Kamenopoulou
- Social Research Institute: Professor Carol Rivas
- IOE Professional Services: Sharon Etienne and Nishita Nair
- UCL Centre for Languages and International Education: Hayley Gewer
Facilities for faith and belief
UCL is a secular institution, but we are committed to providing an inclusive learning and working environment where students of all religions and none can thrive.
IOE Prayer Room: Located in Room 794 (IOE main building, 20 Bedford Way), this space allows for prayer and quiet contemplation. Find more faith facilities.
Support and wellbeing
Specialist supportUCL policies: equality and diversity
PoliciesLatest updates
IOE alumni explore the diverse perspectives of LGBTQ+ leaders across the UK education sector
A new book co-edited by Alex Baird and Catherine Lee disrupts conventional notions of cis-heteronormative leadership, reframing it as a commitment to challenging systemic inequalities in education.
05 May 2026
What does “family” mean, and whose family experiences get recognised?
A new UCL study is inviting non-binary adults in the UK to share their experiences of family life, in research that aims to address a significant gap in evidence.
30 Apr 2026
Culturally responsive pedagogy?
Dr Wilton Lodge says it's not enough to just decolonise our curriculum.
16 Jan 2026