Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

What is this about?

The aim of inclusion is to include everyone.

It is about giving equal access and opportunities, and removing discrimination and intolerance.

Our diversity covers everything, all people irrespective of similarities or differences.

Our society is changing; we choose to develop and engage with mutual understanding, respect, and dignity for all.

Unity, not uniformity, must be our objective.

We recognise that everyone is a unique individual with the right to a broad range of opportunities to feel included.

Find out more...

Why should you read this?

The impact of inclusion on academic attainment cannot be underestimated when creating a space where students can flourish and reach their potential.

We can make this happen by ensuring that equity and inclusion are embedded in all of our activities, through listening to students and valuing their voices. What students tell us is important.

We acknowledge that more action is required, and we are in no way complacent in facing the challenge.

What is it based on?

We are conscious that our actions must reflect the following core values taken from our ARU Students' Union Strategy:

  • Challenging

    We push ourselves, the University, and students to do things differently.

  • Collaborative

    We are better when we work together.

  • Creative

    We think outside the box, learn from mistakes, and use our imagination.

  • Inclusive

    We will champion diversity of our students and their communities.

  • Sustainable

    We will champion wellbeing, equity, and justice, make ethical decisions, and help grow a cleaner, fairer planet.

What does our commitment include?

Thinking about everything we’ve just said, this strategy contains four commitments that we make to our students and staff:

  • Our Services

    We will empower students to help inform and shape our approach to Inclusion and ensure access to ARU SU services are available to all.

  • Our Culture

    We work to increase awareness and understanding of Inclusion issues by our staff.

  • Our Staff

    We will attract, recruit, and retain staff from different backgrounds.

  • Celebrating Inclusion

    We will be visible to students in celebrating our diverse communities to break down barriers.

Why should you read this?

The impact of inclusion on academic attainment cannot be underestimated when creating a space where students can flourish and reach their potential.

We can make this happen by ensuring that equity and inclusion are embedded in all of our activities, through listening to students and valuing their voices. What students tell us is important.

We acknowledge that more action is required, and we are in no way complacent in facing the challenge.

What is it based on?

We are conscious that our actions must reflect the following core values taken from our ARU Students' Union Strategy:

  • Challenging

    We push ourselves, the University, and students to do things differently.

  • Collaborative

    We are better when we work together.

  • Creative

    We think outside the box, learn from mistakes, and use our imagination.

  • Inclusive

    We will champion diversity of our students and their communities.

  • Sustainable

    We will champion wellbeing, equity, and justice, make ethical decisions, and help grow a cleaner, fairer planet.

What does our commitment include?

Thinking about everything we’ve just said, this strategy contains four commitments that we make to our students and staff:

  • Our Services

    We will empower students to help inform and shape our approach to Inclusion and ensure access to ARU SU services are available to all.

  • Our Culture

    We work to increase awareness and understanding of Inclusion issues by our staff.

  • Our Staff

    We will attract, recruit, and retain staff from different backgrounds.

  • Celebrating Inclusion

    We will be visible to students in celebrating our diverse communities to break down barriers.

Mental Health Research Summary

Get Involved

All of our events are EDI-friendly, which means they are open to and include everyone. Check out some of our events below!

London Republic - Choir Practice with Poplar Singers
5th August 7pm - 8th December 8:30pm
Auditorium at Republic
Sing away your stress with Poplar Singers at Republic
ARU London | Night-time Events | Evening
FinTech - Chelmsford Learn a Skill Initiative – Power BI Edition
16th October 4pm - 31st December 4pm
Teams
Learn a Skill Initiative – Power BI Edition
Club and Society Events | Chelmsford | ARU Events | SU Events
FinTech - Chelmsford Learn a Skill Initiative – Power BI Edition
23rd October 4pm - 7th January 4pm
Teams
Learn a Skill Initiative – Power BI Edition
Club and Society Events | Chelmsford | ARU Events | SU Events

Societies

Don't miss out on joining a great society! Not only are our societies a great way to get involved with the union, they also give you the chance to explore different cultures, meet like-minded people, and are, of course, inclusive of everyone.

Our Game Changers

Tap or hover onCheck out the cards below to learn about our EDI Game Changers!

DEVELOP

...our managers to be Inclusion Champions for their teams

Inclusive

We will develop a programme of projects spanning all aspects of our work to create an inclusive culture at ARU Students Union.

Review

Introducing a staff training program, bi-annually reviewed by Senior Management, to enhance staff awareness, understanding, and commitment for an inclusive culture at ARU SU.

Create

...a forum in which the Senior Management Team identify and seek to close inclusion gaps in our organisation cause people to feel left out and not included or able to access services.

Introduce

...a personal development objective for all staff to encourage their personal commitment to inclusivity.

Ensure

...that we review and use data from student surveys to inform and prioritise our programme of work.

Roll out

...a programme of mental health awareness to all staff.

Represent

To ensure we have the student voice represented on our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group.

Set up

...a coaching and mentoring scheme for all staff that will include supporting career progression for staff with protected characteristics.

How are we making it happen?

We’ve had a think about what our commitments look like in action, and here’s what we’ve got so far:

  • To ensure that we review and use data from student surveys to inform and prioritise our programme of work.

  • To ensure we have a student voice on our EDI Working Group.

  • Create a programme of projects focussed on staff development.

We are seeking to improve our recruitment and retention to the Students’ Union for underrepresented groups and also find ways to celebrate diversity in all its forms.

How are we making it happen?

What can you do?

While we are takings steps, we are aware that this is an ongoing process.

We welcome getting in touch with us to discuss your thoughts and opinions. You can use the button below to send an email to us, or come and see us in person!