Equality and Diversity at Goldsmiths
We are passionate about advancing equality and celebrating diversity at Goldsmiths.
Primary page content
Goldsmiths has a rich heritage of challenging inequality in all its forms, and equality, inclusion and social justice are values which are incredibly important to us. These values are enshrined in our history, entrenched in the subject matter of our research and teaching, and embraced by members of our community.
We are rightly proud of this history. But there is more to do – which is why we have a team of specialists leading our work in this area on an ongoing basis.
Our EDI team is led by the Head of Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), and includes an EDI Officer, EDI Coordinator, Race Equality Charter (REC) Officer, and Race Justice Projects Officer.
Our aim is to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion across Goldsmiths and make it a part of everything that we do. Fundamentally, we want to provide opportunities for all staff to develop and thrive in their careers here.
Waqar Ali, Head of Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion
The team takes an equitable, collaborative and inclusive approach, placing staff wellbeing and belonging front and centre. It seeks to cater to the diversity of all members of the Goldsmiths community.
It also leads on publishing our annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion report. This allows us to review our progress and set new objectives on an annual basis, and is one of our obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty. Previous years' reports are published at the bottom of this page.
Schemes and Charters
Goldsmiths has long been a Stonewall Diversity Champion, and since February 2023 has held a Stonewall Silver Award. We are proud of our strong commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ equality and to maintaining an inclusive environment for everyone.
We hold a Bronze Athena Swan Award, which evidences our commitment to gender equality across the institution and in particular departments.
We are a member of the Disability Confident scheme, and actively encourage applications from disabled people for positions at Goldsmiths.
We took the Inclusive Culture Pledge, overseen by leading diversity consultancy EW Group.
Stonewall Silver Award
Athena Swan Bronze Award
Disability Confident
EW Group Inclusive Culture Pledge
Every year we publish an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion report, in line with our obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Our 2022 report will be published later in 2023.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report 2021 (PDF)
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report 2020 (PDF)
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report 2019 (PDF)
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2018 (PDF)
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2017-18 (PDF)
- Equality and Diversity Annual Report 2016-17 (PDF)
- Equality and Diversity Annual Report 2015-16 (PDF)
- Equality and Diversity Report 2014-15 (PDF)
2010 saw a lot of change in the landscape for equality, diversity and inclusion with the introduction of the Equality Act. Following this, a further Public Sector Equality Duty was introduced on 5th April 2011.
The Equality Duty is a duty on public bodies, including Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and others carrying out public functions. It is designed to help HEIs fulfil the requirements of the Equality Act by taking proactive steps to:
- combat discrimination, victimisation and harassment
- advance and promote equality of opportunity between different groups
- foster good relations between people from different groups
In 2015, Goldsmiths launched a renewed Equality and Diversity Strategy (PDF) which aims to drive forward our aims to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into everything that we do, and go beyond our legal obligations, to be recognised as a leading Higher Education Institution in this area.
There are also three specific obligations we must meet as part of our Public Sector Equality Duty:
- To publish information to demonstrate compliance with the equality duty by 31st January 2012 (and annually thereafter) – please see our annual reports: Equality and Diversity Annual Report 2016 - 2017 (PDF), Equality and Diversity Annual Report 2015 - 2016 (PDF) (Published January 2016), and Equality and Diversity Report 2014 - 2015 (PDF ) (published January 2015)
- To set and publish one or more specific and measurable equality objective, at least every four years (by April 2012) – we are proud to present our Equality Objectives 2017-21 and Action Plan
- To publish information and equality objectives in a manner that is accessible to the public