Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are guided by the principles set out in the London Mathematical Society Good Practice Scheme. We're proud of our Athena Swan Bronze award showcasing our commitment to supporting the advancement of women's careers in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM). Our Athena Swan Action Plan (PDF , 379kb) outlines the principles we committed to in our most recent application.

Here are some of the ways we support equality, diversity and inclusion: 

• a yearly lecture series
• events for graduate students, showcasing women who have studied mathematics
• exceptional pastoral support for current students (academic supervisor, student wellbeing officer, maths second- and third- year mentors, year tutors, school to university transition officer)
• outreach - we have offer a range of activities and events for school pupils to help inspire enthusiasm for the study of mathematics and open up opportunities for all
• Piscopia - we're part of an Initiative to tackle the participation crisis of women and non-binary people in mathematics research in the UK
• celebrating mathematicians - our staff and students have written profiles of prominent mathematicians, both from the UK and around the world

Our Equality and Good Practice Committee

Our committee aims:

• to hold regular meetings as a full committee and working groups to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the Department
• to encourage the development of new equality, diversity and inclusion practice and initiatives
• to collate and analyse equality, diversity and inclusion data
• to provide an effective forum for equality, diversity and inclusion discussions through the chair, to inform directly departmental management practice on equality, diversity and inclusion issues
• to oversee the committee budget on a regular basis
• to help promote good equality, diversity and inclusion practice outside the Department
• to advise the Board of Studies on how best to implement equality, diversity and inclusion practices in teaching
• to take responsibility for and oversee Athena Swan award submissions
• to help the Head of Department and Departmental Management Team to implement the Athena Swan Action Plan.

The terms of membership will be three years in length, renewable once. There is flexibility to adjust terms by up to 12 months to accommodate deadlines for Athena Swan submissions.

Supporting staff and students

At York we have various sources of information about equality, diversity and inclusion, including policy, guidance and best practice and resources for further learning. Regular events are held to raise awareness of present-day barriers and highlight ongoing work to remove such challenges across the university.

University-wide initiatives

• Equality, diversity and inclusion at York
• Disability and accessibility
• Let's talk about race and racism
• Athena Swan (gender equality)

Get involved

• Staff Equality Network and Forums
• Departmental Equality Champions
• African Caribbean Society (yusu.org)
• LGBTQ Social (yusu.org)

Get support

• Support, health and wellbeing for staff
• Support, health and wellbeing for students
• Guidance for supporting trans students
• University benefits scheme, including childcare costs

Policies and training

• Policy and guidance for equality, diversity and inclusion at York
• Dignity at Work and Study Policy
• HR policies
• Online training