EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our Commitment

The Institute for Education (IfE) is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all underrepresented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity. This commitment is underpinned by the IfE’s core values, expressed in its mission statement. The IfE is therefore committed to a policy and practice which require that, for course participants, admission to the IfE and progression within courses will be determined only by personal merit and by performance. For employees, entry into employment with the IfE and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and by the application of criteria which are related to the duties and conditions of each particular post and the needs of the institution concerned.

Since its inception in 2015, the IfE has developed a number of policies and procedures to address Equality, Diversity and Inclusion which include the:

  • Course Participants’ Grievance Policy and Procedures
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
  • Extenuating Circumstances Policy
  • Grievance Policy and Procedures for Employees
  • Funding Policy and Procedures
  • Health and Wellbeing Policy for Course Participants
  • Health and Wellbeing Policy for Employees
  • Higher Education Sponsorship Policy
  • Learning and Development Policy
  • Leave Policy
  • Leave of Absence Policy
  • Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures for Course Participants
  • Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures for Employees and Persons on a Contract for Service

Furthermore, the campus at the IfE offers inclusive facilities for all members of our diverse community. Indeed, at the IfE, one may find all gender bathrooms, shower facilities, accessible parking bays which are designated for vehicles displaying a Blue Badge and accessibility ramps.

The Equality Mark

On the 3rd May 2021, the IfE has been awarded the Equality Mark certification by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE). This certification has been awarded to the IfE in recognition of its commitment to implement policies and practices that concern gender equality, protection against sexual harassment and a continued commitment to provide family-friendly measures to all employees.

This recognition confirms the IfE’s efforts to provide a healthy work environment that is free from any type of discrimination. Furthermore, the Equality Mark acknowledges the IfE’s responsibility to provide equal access to opportunities and career development based on employees’ potential, irrespective of their gender and caring responsibilities.

Gender Equality Plan

The Institute for Education (IfE) remains firmly committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and diverse environment where all staff and learners feel valued and empowered to succeed. Since its establishment in 2015, IfE has developed and implemented a range of policies, structures, and initiatives to promote gender equality, culminating in the award of the Equality Mark certification by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) in 2021 and again in 2025.  In order to continue fulfilling this commitment, the IfE has created another Gender Equality Plan 2026-2030 which was created by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the IfE. This plan still follows the assessment on the status of Gender Equality at the IfE, and is guided by the following principles: non-discrimination, diversity, gender mainstreaming and equity. It revolves around the subsequent key priority areas: (1) Work-life balance and organisational culture, (2) Gender balance in leadership and decision-making, (3) Gender equality in recruitment and career progression, (4) Integration of the gender dimension into research and teaching content, and (5) Measures against gender-based violence including sexual harassment. The document includes objectives and in-depth actions, assigns responsibilities and a timeline.

To access the full plan please click here.

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