Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Newcastle is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
We value individual differences and the diversity that this brings. We want to ensure is that no one is at a disadvantage because of who they are.
Our commitment to diversity extends beyond our duties under the Equality Act and Public Sector Equality Duty. Through dedicated working groups, events and projects we aim to create a positive, supportive culture for everyone to reach their potential.
Our upcoming priorities and projects
Race equality
Newcastle is working towards becoming a leading university in race equality and is committed to joining the Advance HE Race Equality Charter (REC). We were the only UK university to award Dr Martin Luther King Jr an honorary degree during his lifetime.
Gender equality
Newcastle University is dedicated to promoting gender equality across campus. We are proud to be a member of the Athena Swan Charter and hold an Institution level Silver Athena Swan Award and 19 school level awards.
Disability equality
Newcastle University is a member of the Business Disability Forum (BDF). We have set up a disability network so that staff and students can share experiences and influence policies and practices across our services.
Faith, religion and belief
We welcome individuals of all faiths and are proud of our religious diversity. Get involved with one of our faith groups or find out about worship spaces on campus.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
As a Stonewall Global Diversity Champion, we are finding even more ways to ensure Newcastle is LGBT and non-binary inclusive.
Family friendly and carers
Newcastle University's Parent and Childcare Implementation Group is working to achieve family friendly excellence by 2021.
Meet the team
Newcastle University ensures that equality and diversity remain at the top of our agenda by entrusting a dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team with our mission.
The EDI team provide strategic direction as well as monitoring how well we are doing at embedding the values of equality and diversity across the University.
We are committed to developing a fully inclusive community that values diversity.
Professor Judith Rankin is the Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Professor Rankin provides focussed strategic leadership on equality, diversity and inclusion and spearheads the way we deliver new initiatives.
The Dean chairs dedicated equality and diversity groups including:
- Diversity Committee
- EDI Leads Forum
- Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team
Professor Judith Rankin:
Email: judith.rankin@ncl.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 191 208 5267
The Faculty Directors provide leadership on equality and diversity at the Faculty level and support initiatives designed to enhance the EDI Strategy.
The Directors are also key members of the Diversity Committee, Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team, and the EDI Leads Forum.
Professor Kate Chedgzoy - Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS):
Email: kate.chedgzoy@ncl.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7755
Dr Sharron Kuznesof – Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE):
Email: sharron.kuznesof@ncl.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 8889
Professor Candy Rowe - Medical Sciences (FMS):
Email: candy.rowe@ncl.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 8671
The Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisers/Project Officers (EDI) provide specialist advice to staff as well as vital assistance to the Faculty Directors in the delivery of our strategic priorities and objectives.
Kelechi Dibie (HaSS):
Email: kelechi.dibie@ncl.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 4490
Louise Jones (SAgE):
Email: louise.jones@ncl.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 5923
Ann Armstrong (FMS):
Email: ann.armstrong@ncl.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7138
Malasree Home (FMS, Athena SWAN Support Officer):
Email:malasree.home@ncl.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 5423
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officers within Human Resources provide both strategic advice and practical support to the whole University. They play a lead role in the coordination of accreditation programmes and ensure we achieve compliance with our statutory requirements.
Leslie Platt, HR Adviser (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion):
Email: leslie.platt@ncl.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 5974
Vijaya Kotur, HR Adviser (Race Equality):
Email: vijaya.kotur@ncl.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 4491
Renita Barbour, Parent and Childcare Implementation Group Administrator:
Email: renita.barbour@newcastle.co.uk
