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Equality, diversity and inclusion
We're committed to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone feels included. Equality isn't just a policy, it's our practice.
Lisa Henderson, Head of Department
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Equality and diversity initiatives in the Department are overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. We aren't just a committee; we are a community. We encourage every student and staff member to contribute their ideas.
Our equality and diversity staff champion, Dr Karla Evans, contributes to Soapbox Science (soapboxscience.org), a public outreach platform for promoting women scientists and the science they do.
Diversity provides strength, creativity, and innovation to academic communities. In the Department of Psychology here at York, we are committed to building and supporting inclusion at all levels.
Cade McCall, EDI Chair
EDI committee
Equality and diversity initiatives in the department are overseen by the Inclusiveness and Development Committee and include a set of broad-reaching beacon activities. We encourage students and staff to contribute their ideas.
Our equality and diversity staff champion Dr Karla Evans contributes to Soapbox Science, a novel public outreach platform for promoting women scientists and the science they do.
True psychological understanding demands diverse perspectives. At York, our equality and diversity activities aren't add-ons; they're the foundation upon which we build robust, ethical research and a truly inclusive learning environment.
Dr Karla Evans, EDI Staff Champion
Disabilities and neurodiversity
We actively support our disabled and neurodivergent community through a range of proactive adjustments and student-led advocacy including:
- A dedicated Disability Champion: Supporting students and staff by promoting awareness and removing barriers to accessibility, so that every member of our Department can thrive.
- The DISCO Project: Fostering a vibrant community for staff and students with disabilities.
- Psychology Disability Committee: A student-led group organising inclusive events and peer support.
- The Distractibles: A dedicated support group for neurodiversity.
- Disability Services: Collaboration with University services to provide tailored support.
Within the Department and across the University, we're dedicated to providing tailored adjustments and resources that enable every student to thrive academically and personally. It's about empowering individuals to reach their full potential, and we're continually working to improve our practices and ensure equitable access.
Amanda Hickey, disabilities staff champion
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME)
The Department of Psychology is actively working to support BAME students and staff through various initiatives such as:
- The BAME Support Hub: A welcoming space for open dialogue, resources and celebration - including events like The Crowns Exhibit.
- Decolonising the curriculum: We are actively evolving our teaching to ensure it reflects a global, representative perspective of psychology.
The University of York's Department of Psychology is actively fostering inclusivity. Initiatives like the BAME Support Hub and projects focused on equitable postgraduate research aim to create a supportive and representative environment for all students.
Delali Kone, BAME staff champion
Family-friendly working
We're a strong advocate for flexible working and promoting a healthy work-life balance. We're proactively committed to supporting those with childcare and other caring responsibilities. We host an annual panel event focused on the practicalities of combining parenting and family life with an academic career. This initiative is designed to:
- Share experiences: Department members from diverse career stages, genders, and personal circumstances share their strategies for work-life integration.
- Foster dialogue: Provide an open, informal discussion platform to reflect the broad range of viable balance strategies.
- Promote inclusion: The event is open to all interested staff members and postgraduate researchers.
The Department of Psychology has been incredibly supportive of my family needs. They've enabled me to balance my research and teaching responsibilities with raising a young family through flexible working arrangements and a genuinely understanding culture.
MaryAnn Noonan, family-friendly working staff champion
LGBTQ+
We're deeply committed to supporting staff and students who identify as LGBTQ+ and fostering a truly inclusive community. Our commitment extends beyond policy into active participation and open dialogue:
- Annual panel: Focusing on LGBTQ+ issues within psychological science, the panel covers topics such as queer representation, the history of attitudes towards intersex individuals and related critical areas.
- York Pride: Department members march in the parade every year and host a family-friendly stall at the Pride Festival to show visible support and engagement with the wider community.
- A dedicated LGBTQ+ Champion: Supporting staff and students to help foster a positive environment for everyone.
I am passionate about supporting and celebrating LGBTQ+ staff and students, engaging and educating allies and ensuring a positive environment for everybody in the Department.
Dr Rebecca Jackson, LGBTQ+ staff champion
We involve community members from underrepresented backgrounds in our research and the communication of our findings through various events.
Through various initiatives, we aim to provide resources and strategies that promote a positive, healthy experience for everyone in our Department.
We support a range initiatives to address diversity in research, focusing on improving belonging and addressing academic inequalities.
The Department provides a supportive environment for early career researchers to help build their skills, grow their research profile, and thrive in academia.
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.
