The School of International Relations is strongly committed to actively supporting equality at every level irrespective of race, disability, age, faith, gender, and sexual orientation. The School seeks to nurture the talents of all staff and students through fair practices.
The School strives to create a diverse community among its staff and students and wishes to provide a welcoming and tolerant environment for study and research. In order to foster diversity and inclusion, equal access to opportunity is essential. Academic quality and rigour for all students and staff is linked to the elimination of bias and discrimination. Therefore, the School aims to recruit and treat all people with respect.
The School adheres to strict non-discrimination policies and will not tolerate disrespect, discrimination, harassment, or violence by or against any member of its community.
Report and support
If you need to report an incident or speak with someone about issues relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, such as fairness, discrimination, or harassment, please contact any of the following:
- Director of EDI (Dr Rahul Rao)
- Head of School (Professor Fiona McCallum Guiney)
- Deputy Head of School (Dr Jeffrey Murer)
- Student Services
You may also use Report+Support, an online tool for reporting concerns related to wellbeing, bullying, discrimination, abuse, assault, or harassment. The tool includes an anonymous reporting option, or you can provide your contact details so a member of staff can follow up with support. It is available to students, staff, members of the public, and visitors to the University.
The School is happy to help staff and students navigate University resources and the reporting system, though you are welcome to contact Student Services directly if you prefer.
Mediation service
The Mediation Service is available to students, staff, and members of the public experiencing disagreement or conflict who would prefer a less formal method of discussing University-related disagreements and grievances. The service is also available for groups or teams.
Mediators are staff members from the University of St Andrews who have undertaken formal mediation training accredited by Scottish Mediation. Several postgraduate students have also qualified as mediators. Mediators act impartially and separately from University Schools and Services, and are solely interested in helping those engaged in the service reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Mediation is a confidential, informal, voluntary, and self-determined process. Discussions are conducted on a "without prejudice" basis, meaning nothing said can be used in formal proceedings. If you or someone you know is involved in a disagreement that is in its early stages or has reached an impasse, please contact mediation@st-andrews.ac.uk for an informal chat about how the mediators can help.
Athena SWAN Bronze Award
Starting in February 2017, the School worked towards an Athena SWAN Gender Equality Bronze Award. The Athena SWAN self-assessment team consisted of 14 members of the School, ranging from undergraduate representatives to senior professors, and was led by Professor Caron Gentry (2017 to 2020).
The self-assessment process required analysis of applications, intake, progression, and achievement among all staff and students, and implementation of a detailed action plan to promote gender equality at every level. Broader issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion are addressed by the School's EDI Committee, chaired by the Director of EDI.
The School was awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze award in May 2019 in recognition of its commitment to advancing gender equality in academic, professional, and support roles, and to overcoming barriers to career progression for all.
In 2024, the School was required to renew its award. After extensive work undertaken by the Director of EDI, Dr Rahul Rao, the School was awarded a Bronze renewal with conditions in November 2024. Following further work by the interim Director of EDI, Professor Tony Lang, the full award was issued in May 2025.