Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Definitions and Terminology

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Definitions and Terminology

Equality is ensuring individuals or groups of individuals are not treated less favourably, on the basis of the 10 University grounds (see definitions below).  Equality seeks to promote fairness be it access to employment or a programme of study, training, development, career opportunities etc.

Equity is also about promoting fairness and creating a level playing field so that everyone starts from the same place.  This may include positive discrimination and treating people differently in order to achieve equality. 

Diversity means more than just acknowledging and/or tolerating difference.  Diversity involves understanding, appreciating and embracing differences and practicing mutual respect for qualities and experiences that are different from the majority.

Inclusion is a sense of belonging; feeling respected and valued; feeling a level of support and commitment from others so that one can achieve their best at work and study. 

Ten University Equality Grounds:

• Age: a person’s age, this does not apply to a person aged under 16
• Civil status: a person’s civil status be it single, married, separated, divorced, widowed, civil partnered and formerly civil partnered
• Disability: includes people with physical, intellectual, learning, cognitive or emotional disabilities and a range of medical conditions
• Family status: being a parent of a person under 18 years or the resident primary carer or parent of a person with a disability
• Gender (including gender identity): a person’s gender identity including male, female, transgender or non-binary
• Membership of the Traveller community: recognised as an ethnic group
• Race: includes race, skin colour, nationality or ethnic origin
• Religion: a person’s religious belief, background, outlook or none
• Sexual orientation: a person’s sexual orientation including gay, lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual
• Socio-economic-status: a combined economic and sociological measure economic and social position in relation to others, based on the income, education, and occupation of an individual and their family