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 that no-one is at a disadvantage because of who they are.
Through our institutional EDI strategy and Equality Objectives, dedicated working groups, events and projects we aim to create a positive, supportive culture for everyone to reach their potential. Our commitment to diversity extends beyond our duties under the Equality Act and Public Sector Equality Duty.
Newcastle University has now published its Annual EDI Report 2022, which incorporates our progress against our Equality Objectives, our equality monitoring data and our Gender Pay Gap Report.
Our upcoming priorities and projects
An internal funding scheme was established in 2017 to promote engagement with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda at Newcastle University.
Staff and students can apply for funding for small to medium-sized projects.
- Applications involving events, training, projects and invitations to host seminars, etc are welcome.
- A clear case will have to be made that there are no other funding sources available for the application.
- Maximum funding per project is £5,000, but we particularly encourage applications that require less funding than this.
- A full breakdown of costs should be provided. All successful applications will be expected to keep a record of how the funds were spent.
Applications are reviewed by a panel consisting of the three Faculty Directors of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, the Dean of EDI and the Head of EDI.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Application Form - 2023
- Guidelines for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Fund applications - 2023
For more information, please contact the Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Professor Judith Rankin.
Newcastle University is proud to support equal access to higher education and is pleased to offer Sanctuary scholarships consisting of full tuition fee support and a bursary for living expenses for applicants wishing to study at the University.
The scholarships have been designed to enable students from asylum-seeker and refugee backgrounds to progress to higher level study.
- Find out more about the Sanctuary Scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Northern Power: Making Engineering and Physical Sciences a Domain for All in the North of England
Calling all Newcastle University academics. Are you at the early stages of your university career in science, maths or engineering?
Are you interested in:
- mentoring?
- advancing personal development through networking and leadership skills?
- working with industry?
Or do you just want to be part of our online network? Then get involved in our EPSRC-funded research project.
Visit Northern Power Inclusion for more information or email Sharron Kuznesof (Faculty Director of EDI, Science Agriculture and Engineering).
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:
- University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
- EDI Leads Forum
- Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team
Professor Judith Rankin:
Email: Judith.Rankin@newcastle.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 5267
The Faculty Directors provide leadership on equality, diversity and inclusion at the Faculty level and support initiatives.
The Directors are also key members of the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, University Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team, and the EDI Leads Forum.
Professor Rachel Pain – Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS):
Email: Rachel.Pain@newcastle.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 4725
Dr Sharron Kuznesof – Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE):
Email: Sharron.Kuznesof@newcastle.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 8889
Dr Emma Haagensen – Medical Sciences (FMS):
Email: Emma.Haagensen@newcastle.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 208 4521
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team sit within People Services and provide both strategic advice and practical support to everyone working or studying at the University.
Central team
The Central Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) play a lead role in:
- embedding the values of EDI across the university
- coordination of university-wide accreditation programmes
- ensuring we achieve compliance with our statutory requirements
Paul Britton (Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Colleague Health and Wellbeing)
Email: Paul.Britton@newcastle.ac.uk
Malasree Home (Race Equality and Accreditation Adviser - on secondment)
Email: malasree.home@newcastle.ac.uk
Vi Parker (EDI Training Lead)
Email: Vi.Parker@newcastle.ac.uk
Renita Barbour (EDI Operations Coordinator)
Email: Renita.Barbour@newcastle.ac.uk
Yvonne Parkinson (Diversity Data Analyst)
Email: Yvonne.Parkinson@newcastle.ac.uk
Kevin Johnson (EDI Charters Adviser)
Email: Kevin.Johnson2@newcastle.ac.uk
Faculty advisers/officers
The Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisers/Project Officers (EDI) provide:
- specialist advice to colleagues
- vital assistance to the Faculty Directors in the delivery of our strategic priorities and objectives
Kelechi Dibie (EDI Adviser, HaSS)
Email: Kelechi.Dibie@newcastle.ac.uk
Louise Wright (EDI Adviser, FMS)
Email: Louise.Wright@newcastle.ac.uk
Eleanor Farrington (EDI Adviser, SAgE)
Email: Eleanor.Farrington@newcastle.ac.uk