Equality Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan
The EDI Strategic Plan sets out Oxford University's aspirations and objectives for the next three years and provides a framework for our EDI efforts as a collegiate university
Equality, diversity and inclusion are integral to the University of Oxford’s mission
We recognise the value of Oxford’s diverse student and staff community, and the range of experiences and perspectives that brings. Our diversity strengthens our research, enhances our teaching, and enables a deeper engagement with the world. Having an inclusive culture, in which everyone can grow and flourish, will strengthen our ability to attract and retain the very best students and staff and is essential to our continued success as a world-leading institution.
The collegiate university has made significant progress in its EDI journey, but we recognise that there is more to do. Our EDI Strategic Plan sets out our aspirations and objectives for the next three years. It provides a framework for our EDI efforts as a collegiate University. We invite everyone at the University of Oxford to join our efforts on EDI.
Our EDI Mission
Our efforts on equality, diversity and inclusion are in the service of the University of Oxford’s academic mission: the advancement of learning by teaching and research and its dissemination by every means.
Through our pursuit of equality, diversity and inclusion, we work to enhance Oxford’s impact in teaching, research and engagement.
Our EDI Vision
Our vision is for Oxford to be a collegiate university where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We strive to be a leader on equality, diversity and inclusion in society.
We are a place enriched by the diversity of our students, staff, alumni and partners. Oxford is defined by inclusion and excellence. Our people collaborate and learn through curiosity, courage and a common sense of purpose.
Our Objectives
The following four objectives highlight our priorities as we strive to realise our EDI ambitions. They focus on four areas of University life:
- Our Culture
- Our Diversity
- Our Work
- Our Leadership
Under each objective, we have identified cross-institutional priorities that require coordination and alignment across departments, faculties, divisions and, in some cases, colleges.
Our values and enablers
Our values express the ethos of our approach to EDI: curiosity, courage, community and excellence.
We have identified the following key enablers of our strategic success:
lived experience; a collegiate approach; inclusive leadership; data and research; local, national and global partnerships; and academic freedom and free speech.
What the EDI Plan means for our students and staff
“The EDI strategy reflects the collegiate University’s shared commitment to ensure diversity is not just a goal but an ongoing practice. Guided by evidence-based developments and best practices, it provides a framework for how we can create inclusive outreach and access activities, support students on course and bring together academic and professional services staff.”
Vanessa Worthington, Outreach Development Coordinator (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Programmes)
"At the SU we strive to make every aspect of EDI a real priority for the University, and so we welcome the new unified strategy. We witnessed how minoritised communities can feel excluded, and we want to see bold action in making it clear everyone belongs.”
Addi Haran Diman, President, Oxford University Students' Union
“In teaching the literatures of the ancient world, our challenge is to teach students intellectual self-awareness. For such an endeavour, EDI makes a natural and welcome partner. What most attracts me about the university’s approach to EDI is its willingness to encounter differences, even when they’re uncomfortable, and to recognise that this is a work in progress.”
Dr Adrian Kelly, Associate Professor in Classical Languages and Literature, Tutorial Fellow in Ancient Greek Language and Literature
