Awards and schemes

Our commitment to equality and diversity can be seen through our affiliation with awards and schemes.

Athena SWAN

Athena Swan Bronze Award logo

The Athena SWAN Charter is a scheme run by Advance HE, which recognises advancement of gender equality in terms of representation, progression and success for all.

We achieved a renewal of our Athena SWAN Bronze award in November 2017. We aim to have all of our schools and departments apply for an award by the end of 2020.

Race Equality

By taking part in this initiative the University aims to: Make a positive difference to the experience of Black and Minority Ethnic students and staff Consolidate and celebrate previous and current work Focus on identifying meaningful and challenging race equality objectives and actions for the next three years Do more to promote an inclusive culture and enhance our reputation within the sector Improve the way in which we meet our legislative duties Embed and mainstream equality The Race Equality Cha

The Race Equality Charter is a scheme run by Advance HE, which recognises excellence in advancing racial equality in higher education.

We are very proud to have been awarded our first bronze award for the Race Equality Charter. Surrey is committed to providing the best support, the best learning experience and the best working environment for all our students and staff, regardless of racial or ethnic background and the REC award is an indication of how well we are doing that. Our staff and students hold us to account internally, while Advance HE does the same externally via the charter. See our Racal Equality pages for more information what we are doing at Surrey to progress race equality across our community.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident logo

Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.

We are committed to the following actions:

  • Ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
  • Communicating and promote vacancies
  • Offering an interview to individuals with disabilities
  • Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments
  • Supporting existing employees who acquire a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

AccessAble

AccessAble logo

We have partnered with AccessAble to develop guides to help staff, students and visitors to get to and around our sites and buildings more easily.

UK Workplace Equality Index

The University of Surrey takes part in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index, a charter which measures employer's efforts to tackle discrimination and create an inclusive workplace for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.

The UK Workplace Equality Index is a scheme run by Stonewall, that acts as a bench-marking tool to help ensure all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees can be themselves in the workplace.

The programme aims to develop inclusive workplace cultures ensuring that all staff can perform to their full potential.

 

Time to Change

Time to change logo

Time to Change is a national anti-stigma campaign run by the leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, which aims to:

  • Improve public attitudes towards mental health problems
  • Reduce discrimination
  • Increase the confidence of those with mental health problems.

To support this campaign, we:

  • Have a comprehensive package of mental health and wellbeing advice in place for our students and staff
  • Train Mental Health Advisers
  • Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week.