, 280kb)
Study with us
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We include equality, diversity and inclusion concerns at the strategic level as part of our discussions at the senior management team. I aim to create a nourishing work context that enables all staff to be successful in their professional journeys and achieve their development goals.
Professor Melanie Kreye, Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, Associate Dean for EDI and Staff Development
Athena Swan
We received the Athena Swan Bronze award for the School in September 2023 in recognition of our work and commitment to promote gender equality. The School is committed to the Athena Swan Charter, and we are working towards achieving the Athena Swan Silver Award.
The implementation of our Athena Swan action plan considers an intersectional approach to equality and diversity issues. Our action plan focuses on:
- Culture, by embedding equality, diversity and inclusion into departmental norms, processes and practices. These cover priority areas such as support for work-life balance and recruitment and retention.
- Equality in career progression to the higher grades, staff training and career development support.
- Improved gender balance and wider representation of staff and students in the Department. This includes priority areas such as student careers and employability and widening participation.
As a disabled working-class woman, I have faced numerous barriers in my career, and I know from experience just how vital the Athena Swan activity is in achieving gender equality. I am proud to represent the School in the quest for the Silver Athena Swan Award, and to ensure that EDI work remains central to all our activities.
Susan Watson, Lecturer in Criminal Justice and Social Policy, Athena Swan co-lead
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Forum Events
The EDI Forum
The School for Business and Society EDI Forum was launched in November 2023. It focuses on how best we can inspire a sense of community and belongingness for all students and staff at the School as part of our EDI strategy.
The EDI Forum provides a space within which to further engage with our staff and student community. The EDI Forum consists of a series of events over the calendar year to celebrate equality, inclusion and the diversity of both our staff and students at the School for Business and Society.
This year's theme was Movement: Moving More for our Mental Health, to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.
Members of staff and students attending the EDI forum opening event.
Upcoming events
Inclusive teaching and learning podcast launch - April 2026
Leads: Greg Avetisyan, Paulina Melichova and Nick Glover
This session brings together inclusive teaching and learning and accessibility, with a soft launch of a feedback literacy podcast designed to support students in engaging more confidently with feedback and wider university provision.
The session will explore British Sign Language provision and also introduce practical considerations around digital accessibility, including alignment with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines guidance, offering timely and actionable insights at School level.
Mental health, trauma and inclusion - May 2026
Leads: Bob Townley, Leonie Raymond and Juliet Kele
This EDI forum explores mental health and trauma through an inclusion lens, marking Stress Awareness Month and highlighting an often-overlooked dimension of EDI.
The session creates a safe, reflective space for staff and students to engage in open dialogue, raise awareness, and aims to spark meaningful discussion on how more EDI-informed approaches can better support those affected.
Stories of my homeland - May 2026
Lead: Greg Avetisyan
This session centres on belonging, identity and cultural expression through the theme “stories of my homeland.” It creates a supportive space for staff and students to share and reflect on diverse cultural and lived experiences, particularly amplifying underrepresented voices.
Through creative contributions and discussion, the event encourages collective reflection on what “home” means and how the School can foster a stronger sense of inclusion and belonging.
Student voice and wellbeing - May/June 2026
Leads: Greg Avetisyan and Sara-Lou Morgan-Walker
This EDI forum focuses on student voice, wellbeing, and representation, with particular attention to women’s experiences of stress and empowerment in academic life.
It creates a space to reflect on how students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, experience belonging and participation within the School. Through student-led insights and discussion, the forum aims to identify gaps and explore more inclusive and supportive practices.
Representation in Social Work - September 2026
Lead: Emma Tait
This EDI forum explores representation in Social Work, with a particular focus on how gendered perceptions of care, professional identity, and recruitment pathways shape men’s engagement with the field.
By opening up these perspectives, the session aims to spark thoughtful discussion around inclusion, visibility, and diversity within the profession. It offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on how EDI approaches can better support more balanced representation in Social Work.
I strive to help create a community where every individual can thrive - shaped by thoughtful practice rather than circumstance. We are committed to ensuring that equality becomes a shared reality for all.
Zhe Jiang, Senior Lecturer, Athena Swan Co-Chair
Supporting staff and students
At York, we have various sources of support and information about equality, diversity and inclusion. Every department has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion who acts as a visible and proactive advocate of EDI within their department.
Regular events are held to raise awareness of present-day barriers and highlight ongoing work to remove such challenges across the University.
Advice, guidance and information for students, and for staff supporting students, on equality related issues.
Information about University-wide EDI initiatives, staff networks, and health and wellbeing support.
