Delivering on EDI: the critical governance role

Using the data collected by HESA/Jisc on the composition of governing bodies in the UK higher education sector, this report will provide analysis and insight into the diversity of governing bodies in the sector. It will put a spotlight on the current diversity of boards, and provide the data to bring to light areas of underrepresentation. This will be an important milestone for the sector to understand the data behind board diversity, in order to put in place measures and develop a culture to increase board diversity.

Simonetta Manfredi, Professor in Equality and Diversity Management and Director of the Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice, Oxford Brookes University, reflects on the findings of the 'Diversity of governors in higher education report'.

Designed to help boards grapple with this vital question, Advance HE’s Victoria Holbrook Assistant Director, Governance, and Gary Loke, Director of Knowledge, Innovation and Delivery hosted a Chatham House session exploring how Chairs can support their boards – through the assurance role - to effectively challenge EDI progress in their institutions.

We were also joined by Elisabeth Passey, Convener of Court, University of Glasgow and John Bateman, OBE, Chair, University of Worcester.

A recording of Gary Loke's presentation from this round table session can be can be viewed here and a full written summary can be found at the link below. 

Advance HE's Advance HE’s Victoria Holbrook Assistant Director, Governance has written a blog discussing the ongoing challenge of diversity and inclusion for higher education institutions. 

Advance HE (and before it the Equality Challenge Unit) has published annual statistical reports on HE staff and students since 2005. The student reports detail differences in participation in HE, attainment, continuation and graduate destinations by students’ age, disability status, ethnicity and gender.