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As a School, equality, diversity and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel.

STEM is for everyone, but it doesn’t always look like that. It is important that we build a more inclusive and equitable environment such that everyone can thrive no matter who they are.

Dr Kate Lancaster, Lecturer, Chair of the equality, diversity and inclusion committee

Gender equality in STEM

We're committed to working towards gender equality in STEM subjects. We recognise the importance of the equal participation of women at all levels in subjects that have traditionally been, and remain, male-dominated.

Find out what we're doing

Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME)

Our community is built up of individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and we cannot reach our full potential without the inclusion of all our members.

As a School we're committed to ensuring that BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) staff and students from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported during their time at York.

At York, there are forums and networks where staff and students can find support, as well as promoting inclusivity regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality.

Find out how we support BAME inclusivity

LGBTQ+

We are committed to supporting staff and students who identify as LGBTQ+ to create an inclusive community.

We're actively engaged in external events and since 2016 many of our staff members have take part in the annual York Pride parade, marching under the University banner and and coordinating the University of York stall at the Pride festival.

We're always looking for ways to progress. Responses to the Physics annual equality survey suggested that we provide gender-neutral toilet facilities, and we addressed this by reassigning some toilets in the York Plasma Institute.

If any students or member of staff in the School has concerns specifically relating to LGBTQ+ issues, including personal difficulties, or any experiences of homophobia and/or transphobia, they can approach any of the following staff members, who are happy to discuss problems and take action where appropriate:

Mentoring and pastoral care

Mentoring is an important part of career development and progression for all staff and students.

The York Profiles and Mentors hub, run by the University's careers service, offers mentoring for current students, staff, and alumni.

All staff have access to the People and Organisation Development team mentoring and coaching programmes and several members of staff within the School act as coaches and mentors for colleagues across the University.

Disability

We work with the University's Disability Services team to offer a range of support for disabled students and staff, ensuring that we provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Our dedicated Disability Officers liaise closely with colleagues from the School, Disability Services and other central support units to ensure appropriate advice and support are provided to all students and staff regarding disabilities.

Family-friendly working

We're strong advocates of promoting a healthy work-life balance and take into account, as far as possible, people’s childcare and other caring responsibilities.

We fully support and endorse the University's policies which support our staff, including:

Mental health

York provides a wealth of resources to support our staff and students' mental health and wellbeing.

All academic staff and most administrative staff have had basic Mental Health First Aid training.

The School has several members of staff who have undertaken additional mental health first aid training and can be approached by staff or students if they need support.

Find out more