Embed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) into partnership arrangements

Updated on: 27 October 2025

This guidance helps Schools and professional services units include equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in activities that involve partners or partnership agreements.

The University of St Andrews works with a wide range of partners in many different ways. These include professional and statutory bodies, service providers, and other individuals or organisations we engage with formally or informally.

Through the Diverse St Andrews pillar of the University Strategy, we are committed to placing diversity and equality at the heart of all our work. This includes creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion also extends to the way we work with our partners.

Key principles of this guidance

This guidance is intended to support flexible use across a range of partnership scenarios. It is not prescriptive and does not replace existing practices or documentation used in partnership agreements.

The focus is on sharing the University’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) commitments with partners. It does not set expectations for how partners should behave, but it may help identify any significant concerns.

When working with overseas partners, be aware that they may not be familiar with the UK laws and regulations that apply to the University. Partnerships should take account of different legal and cultural contexts.

Any wording related to EDI should be consistent with existing University documents, especially the Strategy. Do not introduce new commitments that are not already stated elsewhere.

Partnerships should aim to balance the University’s values with business needs.

Checklist for partnership arrangements

This checklist is mainly for partnerships supported by formal agreements but can be adapted for informal discussions and engagements.

When discussing a new partnership

  • Refer to the Diverse St Andrews theme in the University Strategy
  • Review the partner’s EDI commitments to assess how closely they align with the University’s values
  • Include EDI considerations in early due diligence checks

When setting up a formal partnership agreement

  • Add an EDI statement to the agreement documents, where appropriate
  • Complete an Equality Impact Assessment for the partnership proposal
  • Identify any areas of significant misalignment and put appropriate measures in place
  • Review policies and conduct risk assessments to support the safety and wellbeing of staff and students involved
  • Set EDI-related targets relevant to the partnership’s aims in the delivery plan
  • Include EDI-related performance indicators in the partnership’s monitoring and review arrangements
  • Explore opportunities for joint EDI initiatives that support the partnership’s purpose
  • Signpost the Report and Support tool and other routes for staff and students to raise concerns
  • Record and celebrate achievements related to EDI within the partnership

EDI statement for partnership agreements

The University of St Andrews is committed to respect and fair treatment for everyone. We aim to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity, and create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Our ambition is to make St Andrews a beacon of inclusivity. We place diversity at the heart of our work and view inclusivity as essential to a successful, global university. The University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy sets out our responsibility to promote inclusive, discrimination-free environments for staff, students and others connected with the University.