SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities 2025 Report

SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries

The University is committed to reducing inequalities by widening access to Higher Education through targeted recruitment of underrepresented groups, and non-discriminatory admissions. We actively promote equality through initiatives like the Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charters, inclusive student and staff networks, mentoring programmes, and our role as a Disability Confident Leader. Our global research partnerships also help address inequality, including work with marginalised communities and social entrepreneurs.

Learning for students

First-generation students

At the University we are proud of our continuing record in giving people opportunities in Higher Education, especially where they might be the first in their family to have this chance. In 2023/24, 1,349 of those who began first degrees with us were from families where neither parent had experience of higher education, representing 64% of those for whom data were available.

Students from developing countries

This extension of opportunity applies internationally too, with many of our international students coming from countries classed as low or low-middle income by the World Bank. In many cases, these students are supported by fee-reduction scholarships. The significance of this effort is reflected in the extent of the market share held by the University in many of the largest of these country-markets.

Operations

Underrepresented groups – recruitment

We deliver a range of programmes to recruit both staff and students from underrepresented groups.

• The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter and gained a Bronze Award in 2024 in recognition of its work in identifying and addressing the barriers facing Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students and staff, and bringing about action and improvement, including around recruitment.
• Programmes to recruit students from underrepresented groups are run by the University’s Schools and Colleges Liaison Service, including, for example, work with schools and colleges in areas of low participation. This includes work with the Progression module, which provides structured support on researching and applying for Higher Education, celebrates success in doing so, and on completion allows those applying to our courses to be awarded with an equivalent in UCAS tariff points.

Support for underrepresented groups

Underrepresented members of the University community have access to mentoring, counselling, and peer support: for example, with care-experienced students through the work of care leaver support coordinators. The University’s Student’s Union hosts six Student Networks for underrepresented groups including B.A.M.E Ambassadors, Disabled Students Network, Global Citizens Network, LGBT+ Network, Women's Network, and the Class and Social Mobility Network. These groups are student-led and work to improve the student experience by advocating for their communities and campaigning for change.

Members of staff also have access to mentoring and counselling through the work of diversity champions and peer support through the Staff networks for Race Equity, LGBTQI+, Women, Disability, Neurodiversity and Inclusive Allies.

Access and support for those with disabilities

The University’s facilities and services are accessible for people with disabilities, as required by the relevant equalities legislation. A comprehensive Accessibility Guide is available for all staff and students to access online and gives details of accessible routes, disabled parking facilities, the Assistance Dog Policy and building plans highlighting accessible entrances, lifts, refuge points and accessible toilets. 

We provide support to students facing a broad range of conditions that may impact on their university life. The University’s Learning Support Service provides Support Workers, Specialist Mentors and Specialist Study Skills Tutors, Library Support, Note takers, Study Buddy's and Exam support to those students who need additional support whilst they study because of the impact of their disability. In addition, the University’s Disability Service provides support through Disability Advisors to help students to identify how their disability or condition impacts their teaching, learning, assessment and access to physical and digital resources, and to help coordinate support and adjustments.

Staff members are further able to access disability support through a dedicated Staff Disability Network and Neurodiversity Staff Group, both of which give staff the opportunity to connect, explore shared experiences and discuss supportive strategies and approaches.