Equality and diversity at Birkbeck

Birkbeck is proud of its diversity and recognises the value that this brings to College life. The College embraces and celebrates the differences between people, recognising the strengths and benefits of a diverse, inclusive society, workforce and student body.

In the spirit of our founder George Birkbeck, the College believes that education should be available to all sections of society, providing an inclusive working and learning environment for students and staff, so that all may develop to their full potential.

Equality and diversity statement

This statement covers the whole Birkbeck community.

Anti-Racism Statement

Birkbeck is committed to listening, learning and doing more to become an anti-racist organisation.

Athena SWAN at Birkbeck

Information about Athena SWAN and the College's commitment to embedding principles of gender equality across the institution.

Race equality

Birkbeck is committed to addressing racism and challenging injustice and
recognises the value in embracing diverse communities.

University of Sanctuary

Birkbeck received University of Sanctuary status in 2021 in recognition of its work creating a culture of welcome for the forced migrant community.

Equal pay

Birkbeck strongly supports the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. This report presents our latest analysis of equal pay issues at Birkbeck.

Mindful Employer

We are a signatory to the Mindful Employer Charter for Employers who are Positive About Mental Health.

Gender Pay Gap

This report presents our latest summary of the Gender Pay Gap at Birkbeck.

Equality and diversity law

The Equality Act 2010 replaced previous equalities legislation that evolved over the preceding 45 years.

Governance and Equality Monitoring

Working towards equality is embedded in the College's decision-making structures, through the work of the Equalities and Disability Committees, who report to the College's Governors.

Protected characteristics

Sections 4-12 of the Equality Act 2010 set out protected characteristics, including age, disability, ethnicity and race, gender, and sexual orientation, among others.

Resources for staff

Birkbeck aims to provide a welcoming, flexible and inclusive environment for staff.

Birkbeck Gender and Sexuality research centre (BiGS)

Birkbeck is a leading centre of interdisciplinary teaching and research in gender and sexuality, with BiGS providing a forum for innovative, interdisciplinary collaboration in gender and sexuality studies.

Staff diversity networks

Birkbeck has a range of staff diversity networks, created and maintained by members of staff to support their colleagues.

Ref equality impact assessments

Ref equality impact assessment 2014

Read the REF Equality Impact Assessment report for 2014.

Ref equality impact assessment 2021

Read to REF Equality Impact Assessment report for 2021.

Welcome to Birkbeck

Equality and diversity are central to Birkbeck. Our founder, George Birkbeck, was a pioneer of equality and social change.

Read our Equality and Diversity statement