Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Newcastle is a welcoming and inclusive community. We treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Our values and vision
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are core values for the University and the Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering (SAgE). We value individuality and the diversity this brings to our working and learning environments. It helps drive innovation and creativity, and builds a vibrant community and diversity of thought.
Our vision is to ensure that everyone has opportunities to succeed. No one should be at a disadvantage because of who they are.
Our EDI commitment
We’re committed to our equality, diversity and inclusion responsibilities. Our dedicated EDI committees, groups, events and projects are helping us create an inclusive and supportive culture for everyone in our Faculty.
Our Faculty's EDI Strategic Action Plan supports the wider University EDI Strategy. It prioritises areas which help create a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment for all our students and colleagues.
We're proud of our growing diversity. It brings new ideas and perspectives to our teaching and research programmes. It's making a significant difference and helping to break the traditional bias within our Faculty.
Support and wellbeing
We’re committed to creating a positive environment and experience for everyone. Our Faculty does not tolerate any form of hate crime, discrimination, harassment, violence or misconduct.
We have a wide range of support, guidance and services for students and colleagues, on matters relating to:
- disability
- mental health and wellbeing
- faith
- gender identity
- sexual harassment and violence
Support services
Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
A University-wide support service where you can talk about any issues you’re going through. This could be:
- family worries
- work related stress
- bereavement
- sexuality and gender identity
This service is available to everyone, no matter your faith or beliefs.
Find out more on our Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care website.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
This is a confidential and free 24-hour service. It's available to University staff who need support with life’s issues or problems.
Initial Point of Contact (IPC)
This Student Wellbeing Service offers a point of contact for trans, transitioning and non-binary students who need advice and support.
Just Ask
This confidential service offers peer support for colleagues who are feeling stressed at work and need someone to talk to.
Survivor Support
Our Survivor Support Service is available to students who have experienced any form of:
- hate crime
- hate incidents
- sexual violence
- spiking
- domestic abuse
If you’re a student or colleague who would like to contact Survivor Support, you can visit the Survivor Support Service page.
Student Advice Centre
This service is run by the Students' Union, and is available to students who need guidance on:
- housing
- financial
- mental health
- academic issues
Student Wellbeing Support Services
The University offers a range of student support services on matters relating to:
- suicide prevention and supporting students in distress
- hate crimes
- racism
- LGBTQ+
- sexual harassment and violence
- disability
- chaplaincy and pastoral care
- students who are parents or carers
- finances
TalkCampus
A 24/7 mental health network for students who need some additional help.
Our EDI networks
Colleagues and postgraduate researchers
We have several peer-led EDI networks for colleagues and postgraduate researchers. They bring colleagues together from across the University to share experiences and support. These networks also play a key consultative role in University-wide policies and strategies.
Our networks include:
- Disability Interest Group
- NU Carers
- NU Parents
- NU Race Equality Network
- NU Women
- TechNet
- The Rainbow Network
Students
There are a variety of networks and societies available to our students. You can also contact your Newcastle University Students’ Union Sabbatical Officer about EDI issues and campaigns.
Athena Swan commitment
We’re dedicated to promoting gender equality and we are proud to be a member of the Athena Swan Charter.
Newcastle University holds an institutional level Silver Athena Swan Award. Our Faculty holds four departmental Bronze Athena Swan Awards across our four UK based Schools.
Meet our EDI Team
Our Faculty EDI Team work alongside University EDI colleagues and groups. Their goal is to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into everyday practice. They also offer advice and support to help champion change.
Laura Heels
Academic Director of Culture and Inclusion
Email: laura.heels@ncl.ac.uk
Eleanor Farrington
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Adviser
Email: eleanor.farrington@ncl.ac.uk
We also have a Faculty EDI Committee that ensures we meet our equality, diversity and inclusion responsibilities and follow best practices.