Student equality, diversity and inclusion report 2019 Gender actions

The University will continue to work to understand and address the gender continuation and attainment gaps.

Equality, diversity and inclusion staff appointment

In March 2019, the University’s first Assistant Vice Principal (AVP) for Diversity was appointed. This senior-level role is a visible and high-profile demonstration of the University’s determination to place equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of the St Andrews experience.

In March 2020, the University appointed a Research Fellow and Project Manager in Equalities to work with the AVP Diversity to implement EDI initiatives across the University. The University also appointed an EDI Project Officer. In addition, the University has appointed two EDI Area Leads (one for Arts and Divinity and one for Science) to further the EDI agenda within their respective faculties. These new roles build on the existing EDI staff complement of our Head of EDI, two Equality and Diversity Awards Advisers and an EDI Assistant.

Inclusive curriculum audit

The Project Manager in Equalities will be working with Student Services and the Proctor’s Office to audit the inclusive curriculum initiatives currently active across the University. The audit will identify areas to improve and ensure all Schools remain abreast of sector best practice.

Consultation exercises

In 2019, the University undertook a large consultation exercise to collect the views of 1,000 staff and students, through focus groups and anonymised surveys. This dataset was analysed to identify key themes and, where possible, ‘group specific’ trends, including gendered trends. This research informed the development of the University’s People Strategy and its Action Plan. Some actions in relation to gender include:

  • Improving understandings of students’ experience of applying and being accepted to St Andrews.
  • Ensuring that the University’s outward face presents a highly inclusive culture for students to find easily.
  • Ensuring that teaching sessions are as inclusive as possible e.g. lecture capture, embedding inclusive practices and innovative and diverse modes of learning and interaction in small group sessions.
  • Developing a positive culture of feedback for students.