Building an inclusive Essex

At Essex, inclusion is not just a principle we talk about - it is the way we work, learn, and grow together. Over the past year, we have made progress across our equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) priorities, and this month, to celebrate Inclusion Week (15–21 September), we are excited to release our new printable EDI Calendar  for staff and students. This week allows us to reflect on our progress, recognise those driving change, and recommit to building a community where everyone feels valued and able to thrive.

We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to create a more inclusive community. Looking after our staff and students means more than just meeting basic needs – it is about ensuring everyone feels respected, included, and supported to do their best. When we create a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to be themselves, our community thrives.

Meet our Inclusion team

Our Inclusion team works with colleagues across the University to embed EDI into everything we do.

Sara Limerick, Director of People and Culture:

"At Essex, the commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion goes beyond minimum requirements. We strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive, recognising that inclusion is shaped by listening, learning, and collaboration. By embedding EDI into university life, we aim to build a culture where every member feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their best”.

Elaine Brown, Director of Inclusion:

“Inclusion and belonging are not just “nice to haves” - they are strategic essentials when the ground is shifting. They can turn change from something people fear into something they can grow through. Inclusion remains the centre of all that we do as well as helping us remain grounded, resilient and engaged. It matters because it helps provide that sense of belonging, builds trust and positivity, makes us feel valued and able to contribute to creating that sense of shared purpose for the future and supports our sense of wellbeing”.

Inclusion Manager, Karen Bowlby:

“Equity work is both a strategy and a stance. The training I develop and deliver is designed not to tick boxes but to shift mindsets, challenge systems, and build capacity for lasting change. Rooted in activism and shaped by lived experience, my belief is that our approach should always be trauma-informed, intersectional, and unapologetically justice-driven".

Networks and communities driving change

From departments to senior leadership, inclusivity is championed across the University.

• Each department has an Inclusivity Lead who promotes inclusive practice locally and acts as a contact point for colleagues.
• Members of our Executive Committee also serve as Inclusion Champions, modelling inclusive leadership and acting as senior advocates for protected characteristics.

Our staff networks play an important role in driving inclusion and community across the organisation and are a great way to get involved. If you are interested in finding out more about our staff networks and ways to get involved, please take a look at all the information on our Staff Directory.

Together, these roles help ensure inclusion is supported at every level.

Greetings from two of our staff network Chairs

Sam Sprules

Sam is one of the Chairs of the Trans and Non-Binary Staff and Student Forum and said:

"The Trans and Non-Binary Staff and Student Forum is a safe space for trans and non-binary people (as well as those who are questioning their gender identity) to connect, discuss issues and support each other.

This academic year, we are aiming to launch applications for the Gender Affirmation Fund, which was created to enable students to access (non-medical) gender affirming care. The Fund exists solely through the generosity of others, so thank you to those who have donated.

We are planning to hold an event for Transgender Day of Remembrance (20 Nov). More information will be available closer to the date, and if you are interested in helping with organising the event please get in touch with me".

Cerys Somers

Cerys is Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Forum and had this to say:

"I’m Cerys, the new Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Forum, and my focus this year is to create a safe, accessible, and supportive space where our community feels valued and celebrated, especially in today’s challenging political climate. I’m working to ensure we have a stable forum with regular meetings, social opportunities (including our new Book Club!), and stronger links with groups like the Trans and Non-Binary Staff and Student Forum and the LGBTQ+ Student Society, while also engaging Senior Leadership to advocate for our needs.

If you’re an LGBTQ+ staff member, please consider joining our closed mailing list (kept fully confidential by myself and the Inclusion team) to get involved, share your thoughts anonymously, and help us shape the forum together".

Wondering how you can get more involved in EDI at Essex?

Employer’s Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI):

The University currently has a membership to ENEI that allows anyone with a University of Essex email address to register for free and access a plethora of EDI resources! There are free webinars and events available, along with a set of EDI hubs covering topics like Neurodiversity, Race Equality, and Gender.

Events and Learning Sessions:

Look out for discussions, workshops, and activities across our campuses by adding EDICalendar as a shared Outlook calendar and by subscribing to our EDI@Essex mailing list (found under inclusion_info_blast).