Oxford Brookes recognised for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work

Oxford Brookes has ranked third in the first-ever Higher Education (HE) Honordex report, which measures equality, diversity and inclusion in universities.

The report, produced by diversity, equity and inclusion consultancy, Equality Group, is based on a study carried out between January and July this year. The work aims to empower universities to benchmark their EDI efforts and make continuous improvements.

A team of five Equality Group researchers examined all publicly available information about each higher education organisation. They scored each university on diversity and inclusion metrics including the student body, staff, and leadership, explicit EDI support, inclusive policies, and leadership’s approach to diversity and inclusion.

The researchers gave each university a score out of 100 and categorised those with a score of 0-20 as beginner, 21-69 as intermediate, and 70-100 as advanced. 

Oxford Brookes scored 60.4 points, ranked third behind Bournemouth University (60.9 points) and Manchester Metropolitan University (62.1 points).

Adrienne Hopkins, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, at Oxford Brookes University said: “The findings of the report are very encouraging and demonstrate the commitment of Oxford Brookes to EDI over a sustained period of time.

“They are also a reminder that we - and the HE sector as a whole - still have a way to go to achieve a truly diverse and inclusive culture. Oxford Brookes’ EDI Strategy 2024-29, approved earlier this year, provides us with a framework to guide our work and continue to make improvements. Among our short-term priorities are to submit an application to Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter, which will include a robust five-year action plan to advance race equity and inclusion, and to implement a programme of work in support of our Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy.”

Further information about the progress that Oxford Brookes has made, and the initiatives that are being implemented to promote EDI across the University, is published in the University’s annual Equality Reports.