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Supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education

Development designed to champion progression and build strong and supportive networks that advance equality, diversity and inclusion in HE.

The issues of equality, diversity and inclusion that face institutions today are broad, nuanced and dynamic. These challenges don’t only impact students, but also professionals working in institutions. 

We recognise that the current operating context can make it additionally challenging to protect and enhance inclusion. So, our aim is to provide a comprehensive portfolio of programmes and events designed to help you and your people navigate a complex, rapidly changing environment.

Our programmes and events portfolio supports you in addressing barriers to career development experienced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff, and encourages and recognises commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education.

Our services are built on a legacy of expertise in EDI and are designed around current challenges to encourage and support change across the sector. We draw from our leadership of the Athena Swan Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champion diverse leadership development through programmes such as Aurora and Diversifying Leadership, supporting equal pay and the increase of women and under-represented groups on university boards.

Our Equality in HE Statistical Report, as well as our work across the sector with groups such as the Disabled Students Commission, gives us additional insight that we feed into our portfolio, to put you and your institution in the best place to anticipate and respond to emerging issues.

Request the NEW brochure

Request your copy of the Supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education 2024-25 brochure.

Request your copy
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Beyond the Student Mental Health Crisis: A Collaborative Transatlantic Symposium

This is a hybrid event on 5 December 2024. Online or in-person at The Rhodes Institute, University of Oxford

This international symposium will address the reported mental health crisis within the higher education sector. Consistent data over two decades has highlighted the troubling rise in psychological distress among students and more recently staff, accompanied by growing narratives of mental health related risk and crisis.

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NEW programmes, conferences and events portfolio for 2024-25

Our new portfolio for 2024-25 blends high-quality learning and insight-sharing opportunities delivered using a range of innovative techniques and platforms both in person and virtually. If your organisation is an Advance HE member you could benefit from a 25% discount on booking prices across our portfolio.

Download your copy
Programmes and Events brochure 2024-25
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Diversifying Leadership

Tackling the under-representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic leaders in HE institutions

The Diversifying Leadership programme is designed to support early-career academics and professional services staff from racially minoritised groups in taking their first steps into a leadership role. 

It explores themes of power and influence, demystifying leadership, cultural identity and cultural capital, increasing your visibility and authentic leadership and features leadership stories from high-profile HE leaders.

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Plan your professional development for 2024-25 using our Development Planner

Whether you are looking to enhance your practice, share insights or identify the next step in your professional development, by answering only a few short questions our new Development Planner will guide you to a range of development opportunities that meet your requirements. Try it today.

Try it today
Development Planner Screen grab 24-25
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Aurora

Aurora is Advance HE`s leadership development initiative for women

Aurora is higher education’s most renowned leadership development initiative for women. Run as a collaboration between Advance HE in conjunction with higher education institutions and advocates – known as Aurora Champions - to address under-representation of women in leadership positions.

Aurora consists of an introductory webinar, four virtual development days and two action learning sets delivered virtually along with an in-person development
day at the end of the programme called ‘Your Future in HE’, supplemented by optional informal networking sessions and a community of practice on Advance HE Connect.

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Workshops

Advance HE’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion workshops are designed to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to adopt an intersectional approach to understanding and dealing effectively with a range of equality and diversity issues in the workplace.

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Senior Women’s Leadership Development Programme

The under-representation of women in senior posts within institutions remains a significant concern, despite the improving outlook at executive and board levels in recent years. The Senior Women’s Leadership Development Programme is a unique programme which combines technical knowledge of finance, structures and governance that senior leaders require with crucial leadership skills linked to navigating organisational politics and creating a powerful narrative for influence and strategic impact.

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2025

2-3 April 2025, Newcastle

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2025 will focus on best practices in addressing issues of equality, diversity and inclusion in HE. The conference will include keynotes from senior leaders and EDI experts.

It is an opportunity to think deeply and creatively about how we can build our learning on equity, diversity and inclusion to draw on the widest range of thinking and practice, including marginalised voices, new ways of learning, and learning from outside of higher education.

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Inclusive Learning and Teaching Workshop Series

Our popular Inclusive Learning and Teaching Workshop Series is a suite of five modules that can be taken individually or booked as a bundle to form a programme of development. The series includes:

  • Introduction to EDI in Teaching and Learning
  • Inclusive and Equitable Assessment and Feedback
  • Inclusive Curriculum
  • Inclusive Student Engagement and Partnership
  • Leading on Inclusive Teaching and Learning

Institutions and delegates booking all 5 workshops as a bundle will benefit from a 5% multi-booking discount.

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Mental Wellbeing in HE Conference 2025

(14 May 2025, Location TBC)

At this one-day conference, organised in association with the Mental Wellbeing in Higher Education Expert Group, we will hear from expert keynotes and panel speakers, discuss new ideas, learn from successful sector-wide initiatives, and aim to boost motivation and a fresh vision for all delegates. 

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