Inclusion, diversity, equality and accessibility at EI

The Earlham Institute’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee brings together people from all levels and areas of the organisation to advise on, and assist with, the development and implementation of an IDEA strategy at EI.

The IDEA Committee provides strategic oversight of EI’s progress and performance on promoting these values across the Institute, by bringing together staff and students with an interest and expertise in the area to discuss, advise on, and take forward all aspects of policy and its implementation.

The work of the Committee applies to everyone - not just those in scientific roles. This ensures every member of staff, student, or visitor feels equally welcome, supported and valued.

The Committee is chaired by the Chief Operating Officer and meets a minimum of three times a year. The Committee reports annually on its achievements, and work in progress, to the Executive Team.

Staff-led Initiatives

Within the Earlham Institute, and as part of the Norwich Bioscience Institutes (NBI) partnership, there are a number of staff working groups that provide a forum for colleagues to meet and discuss particular topics as well as access information and support.

These groups include:

• LGBTQ+ Working Group
• Parent and Carer Group
• Neurodiversity Network
• Employee Consultation Forum
• Mental Health First Aiders

Athena Swan

The Earlham Institute is proud of its work on the Athena Swan Charter, and received the bronze award in 2022. 

The Athena Swan award is managed by Advance HE, of which the Earlham Institute is a member organisation. Members also have access to a range of benefits and development opportunities, available through their Advance HE accounts.

We are keen to empower everyone to achieve their fullest potential and participation in the Charter helps us focus our work on key areas which support staff and student development and success.

The Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team has a broad and diverse membership, and oversees work on our submission and our Gender Action Plan, reporting into the IDEA Committee.

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Gender Equality Plan

The Earlham Institute is committed to gender equality and seeks to identify and mitigate any imbalances.

We are acutely aware of historic and current challenges around promoting equality in research environments. From the diversity of students studying STEMM subjects, through to promotion opportunities and grant funding success, there are a range of areas where the Earlham Institute can proactively address inequality and challenge stereotypes.

Our work to address gender inequalities aligns with the Horizon Europe Gender Equality Plan; our gender equality plan is publicly available, we have assigned dedicated resource to deliver its objectives, we routinely collect and monitor data, and we provide mandatory training to our staff to help reduce the risk of discriminatory behaviour.

Stonewall Diversity Champions programme

At the Earlham Institute, we are committed to creating and championing a diverse and inclusive working environment where all colleagues can bring their whole selves to work and thrive in their careers.

The Earlham Institute joined the Stonewall Diversity Champion programme in November 2022, providing a supportive framework and guidance on our journey to embed inclusivity.

The programme helps us achieve best practice and be fully inclusive of our LGBTQ+ colleagues in workplace policies and processes.

Technician Commitment

We recognise and value our colleagues in technical and supportive roles, whose significant contributions to the Institute’s work ensure our research is realised to its full potential.

The Earlham Institute is a signatory to the Technician Commitment and is delivering against an action plan to recognise, reward, and support the career development of staff in technical roles. We also have a Research Assistant & Technician representative on the IDEA Committee to ensure the views of this group are heard.

Researcher's Concordat

As a leading UK Research Institute, we recognise the need for frameworks to support the career development of scientists. While we are not a current signatory, we support the core principles outlined in the Research Concordat and are committed to designing and implementing policies that support our people.

The Concordat’s aim is for all UK researchers to be working in healthy and supportive research environments within the next decade and the Earlham Institute is working hard to ensure our workplace provides everyone with a culture and setting that enables them to succeed and fulfil their potential.

We are committed to providing a working environment which is fair, inclusive, and accessible. We welcome differences, valuing and recognising the contribution and potential of all individuals.

A key part of that commitment is supporting the recruitment and development of people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, minimising barriers and offering support at all stages of their careers with the Earlham Institute.

We are proud to be an accredited Level 2 Disability Confident employer. This scheme recognises our desire to draw from the widest possible pool of talent and provides advice on attracting, recruiting, and retaining employees with a disability

Disabilities are diverse and not all are visible or immediately apparent to others. Some can be temporary, situational, or permanent. We understand that conditions can deteriorate or improve over time, depending on the individual and their circumstances, and that some may be diagnosed during their time at the Institute.

Our commitments aim to help support those with disabilities or long-term health conditions to enjoy the same vibrant and rewarding careers as their colleagues.

• Confidential support from our HR team during the application process to discuss any reasonable adjustments
• Guaranteed interviews for applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria
• Reasonable adjustments to support employees with a disability, which might include specialist equipment, changes to the work environment, or flexibility in working patterns
• Ongoing dialogue and collaboration to create an environment where diverse perspectives contribute equitably to our culture, innovation, and success
• Regular opportunities for confidential support with managers or senior leaders on disability-related matters
• Commitment to creating an accessible workplace, an environment where staff feel comfortable disclosing a disability, and the support for all applicants and employees to contribute their full range of skills and experience.

The Institute’s IDEA Committee brings together people from all levels and areas of the organisation to advise on, and assist with, the development of processes and practices that allow us to meaningfully meet these commitments.

Website Accessibility

We want to make sure everyone can access and use this website, which has been built in accordance with the International Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards.

For more information please visit our Accessibility Statement.