Celebrating and consolidating Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at UCL

Building on our commitment to inclusion, belonging and equity is a key institutional priority at UCL. To help us deliver in this area as meaningfully and effectively as possible, we are undertaking an institution-wide strategic review which will be completed before the end of this academic year. 

Strive Higher, an independent specialist Higher Education consultancy, is supporting this review, working closely with Professor Alison Koslowski, Pro-Provost (Equity and Inclusion), Lesley Houfe, Interim EDI Director, and Donna Dalrymple, Chief People Officer, who are leading this work.  

This review will lay the foundations for the development of a comprehensive institutional EDI Strategy during the 2024/25 academic year. 

The Strive Higher team are meeting with those who hold formal EDI roles or are in positions of leadership impacting the development and implementation of EDI policy across UCL, to gain a clear understanding of our current EDI landscape and, importantly, to acknowledge and celebrate the progress that has been made so far. These conversations are crucial for bringing EDI perspectives from across UCL together, informing the strategic review process and shaping the future EDI Strategy. 

Specifically, the review will provide: 

• Clarification of institutional leadership and governance, including the process for determining institutional EDI priorities 
• Clarification of institutional roles and responsibilities, including central, Faculty and departmental roles; and a review and clarification of EDI Networks and Steering Groups 
• Clarification of the data, KPIs for monitoring and tracking EDI progress; and identification of EDI KPIs for Pro Provost, Deans and other key roles 
• Consideration and clarification of the institution’s approach to EDI funding 
• Completion of a plan for consulting and co-creating the new UCL EDI Strategy. 

Recommendations from this review will be communicated across the institution, ahead of the work to begin development of an institutional strategy during the 2024/25 academic year. Once work begins on development of the strategy, there will be a broad and wide-ranging consultation period which will provide an opportunity for all UCL staff and students to provide input and insight based on their experiences of EDI at UCL. 

Stay tuned for further updates and opportunities to contribute to this critical initiative. UCL is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and equitable environment for all and we appreciate your support throughout this important process – together, we can build a more equitable institution for everyone.

You can also catch up with the latest on UCL’s EDI initiatives and put questions to our panel by attending the all-staff Town Hall which will take place on Wednesday 1 May (in person or online) – find out more and sign up here. 

FAQs

What is the purpose of this EDI strategic review? 

The purpose of the strategic review is to gain a comprehensive understanding of UCL's current landscape related to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The findings from this review will lay the foundations for the development of an institutional EDI Strategy during the 2024/25 academic year. 

Who is conducting this EDI strategic review? 

UCL has engaged Strive Higher, an independent specialist higher education consultancy, to support and conduct this strategic review of EDI across the institution. 

Who will be engaged to help inform the EDI strategic review? 

The Strive Higher team are meeting with those who hold formal EDI roles or are in positions of leadership impacting the development and implementation of EDI policy. These stakeholder conversations are crucial for informing the review. 

How do I make sure my voice is heard? 

Once work begins on developing the institutional EDI Strategy in 2024/25, there will be a broad and wide-ranging consultation period. This will provide various opportunities for everyone from across the UCL community, staff and students, to engage and provide input based on their experiences related to EDI at the institution. Please keep an eye on communications to find out more when the consultation launches. 

How will the findings of the strategic review be shared? 

The recommendations from this strategic review will be communicated across the UCL community, ahead of the work to begin developing the institutional EDI Strategy during the 2024/25 academic year. 

Why is this important for UCL? 

This strategic review and the subsequent development of an institutional EDI Strategy demonstrates UCL's commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all members of its community. Promoting diversity and inclusion is a critical institutional priority for the university. 

Who can I contact for more information? 

For any questions or comments regarding this strategic review or the upcoming EDI Strategy development, please contact Alison Koslowski (equity.inclusion@ucl.ac.uk) or Lesley Houfe (equalities@ucl.ac.uk).