We have signed up to several national equality charters and schemes, reflecting sector best practices and our commitment to making BU an inclusive and welcoming place to work and study.
These charters and schemes promote action for individuals who share one or more protected characteristics, career stages or pathways. We collaborate with key stakeholders from our community to support the planning and delivery of self-assessments and action plans.
Athena Swan Gender Charter
In 2012, BU became a member of the Athena Swan Charter and in 2015 we were awarded an institutional Athena Swan Bronze Award, recognising our commitment and work to advance gender equality.
“The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research. Established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, the Charter is now being used across the globe to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.” Advance HE
Race Equality Charter
BU became a member of the Race Equality Charter in 2016. In recognition of our efforts to promote race equality and inclusion at BU, we were awarded a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award in 2023.
The Race Equality Charter’s mission is to improve the representation, experience, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education. We cannot reach our full potential unless we benefit from the talents of our whole community, and until all individuals from all ethnic backgrounds can benefit equally from available opportunities.
University Mental Health Charter
We’re proud to have signed up to the University Mental Health Charter, recognising our commitment to continuous improvement in mental health and wellbeing. Established by student minds, it guides universities to foster a supportive environment for mental health, through principles such as leadership, knowledge improvement, support services and student partnership.
Mindful Employer Charter
BU signed up to the Mindful Employer Charter in 2010, demonstrating our long-standing commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our staff.
This national initiative encourages employers to take a positive approach towards mental health at work. We are dedicated to supporting the mental wellbeing of our employees, ensuring an inclusive workplace environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Disability Confident Employer
BU is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) – a quality mark awarded by the Department of Work and Pensions for our positive commitment to the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled employees.
By recognising and valuing the skills and talents of disabled people, we tap into a wider talent pool, fostering innovation and productivity. Our dedication to this scheme helps create a positive workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, benefiting all employees.
Business Disability Forum
We are a member of the Business Disability Forum, which is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to create a disability smart world by linking businesses, disabled people and government.
BU became a member of the Forum to ensure that our policies and services are accessible and inclusive.
AccessAble
We work with AccessAble to provide detailed accessibility information about all of the university’s campuses, buildings and facilities.
The AccessAble website has comprehensive accessibility listings for the university.
Stonewall
We are proud members of Stonewall, an organisation dedicated to championing LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Our membership underlines our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. By supporting Stonewall, we are actively contributing to a society where everyone can thrive, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers
The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, commonly known as the Researcher Development Concordat, is an agreement between stakeholders to improve the employment and support for researchers and researcher careers in higher education in the UK Vitae. In March 2022, BU was successful in retaining the HR Excellence in Research award and is now one of many Vitae UK member institutions who hold this award. Visit the Concordat site to read our internal review, our 2023-26 action plan and key achievements.