Everyone belongs: Oxford launches EDI strategy

Hear from Chief Diversity Office Professor Tim Soutphommasane and Principal of Mansfield College, Helen Mountfield KC as the University launches its new EDI Strategic Plan.

"We want Oxford to be a collegiate University where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We believe that EDI is about creating the conditions of excellence in our teaching, research and engagement. That’s why, with the participation of students and staff, we’ve developed the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan."

"The plan articulates for the first time, an EDI vision for the collegiate University and highlights four key objectives relating to our culture, our work, our diversity and our leadership. It outlines the approach that we will take and the work already underway in achieving these."

Actions for delivering our ambitions for students

"The EDI Plan provides a shared framework within which we can deliver EDI initiatives across the collegiate University. Below are just a few examples of actions already in place which are designed to progress our ambitions for improving equality, diversity and inclusion for students."

Our Culture

"At the start of this term, we conducted EDI inductions for undergraduate and graduate freshers at 17 colleges offering students an opportunity to participate in about how we can all help to make student experiences inclusive."

Our Diversity

"Oxford’s Access and Participation Plan seeks to improve access and reduce attainment gaps for under-represented students. On the graduate front, Oxford is developing a Graduate Recruitment and Access Strategy. A number of programmes designed to support undergraduate and graduate students from under-represented backgrounds to thrive at Oxford, including Oxford’s Astrophoria Foundation Year, Opportunity Oxford and Academic Futures."

Our work

"The Centre for Teaching and Learning’s IncludED programme provides teaching staff with guidance and resources to ensure teaching and assessments are inclusive. The Centre works with departments and divisions to widen curricula and close awarding gaps."

Our Leadership

"Inductions are being introduced for college junior and middle common room presidents. These will cover topics including effective student leadership, interpersonal conflict and EDI, equipping them to create inclusive student environments."

Oxford SU Sabbatical Officers share their views on the new plan

The plan has been welcomed by staff and students. Addi Haran Diman, Lauren Schaefer, and Eleanor Miller, of Oxford SU shared their response:

“At the SU we strive to make every aspect of EDI a real priority for the University. We witnessed how minoritised communities can feel excluded, and we want to see bold action in making it clear everyone belongs. As student leaders, we welcome the new unified EDI strategic Plan which provides a strong foundation for positive change and a vital framework to enhance our efforts in ensuring equitable student experiences. We are eager to actively engage with its objectives, particularly around promoting diversity, accessibility across the collegiate university, and ensuring every student feels valued.”  