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Birkbeck equality and diversity statement

Birkbeck is proud of its diversity and recognises the value that this brings to College life. The College embraces and celebrates the differences between people, recognising the strengths and benefits of a diverse, inclusive society, workforce and student body. In the spirit of its founder George Birkbeck, the College believes that education should be available to all sections of society, providing an inclusive working and learning environment for students and staff, so that all may develop to their full potential. 

Birkbeck is committed to providing the highest quality academic and working environment, where all staff, students, visitors and contractors are employed, welcomed, respected and treated in a fair manner that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Subject to statutory provisions, no one shall be treated less favourably because of race (including ethnicity, colour, national/ethnic origins and nationality), sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief/non-belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, maternity/paternity or pregnancy, political belief, social status or career status. View the protected characteristics listed under Sections 4-12 of the Equality Act 2010.

The College is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all aspects of its activities, through the development of fair and equitable policies, procedures, academic programmes of study, courses, training and development programmes, which are consistently applied and regularly monitored. Birkbeck encourages and promotes an inclusive approach that treats colleagues, students and other service users with respect.

The College will work to ensure that it benchmarks its work against national schemes, including Athena SWAN, the Race Equality Charter Mark, Disability Confident, Mindful Employer and the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme.

The College will meet all statutory obligations under relevant legislation and, where appropriate, anticipate future legal requirements. This will be informed by: