Diversity and inclusion

Our inclusive practice

Access and disability

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and have agreed to take action to meet the commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled staff. We guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the essential requirements as outlined in the person specification for the job.

Information, advice and support relating to all aspects of access and disability at Essex can be found on the Access@Essex website and for a guide to the accessibility of various locations at each of our three campuses please visit, DisabledGo, one of the largest disability organisations in Europe, with whom we are working to continually improve our access-related information.

Engagement with external equality Charters

Through our participation in the Athena SWAN Charter, we have identified some of the barriers to progression that affect women, men and those who identify as non-binary, and have agreed a plan of action to tackle them. We have been recognised for our work to date through gaining a Bronze Institution Award and all our academic departments are working towards achieving a departmental award by the end of the academic year 2019-20.

In May 2017 we joined the Equality Challenge Unit’s Race Equality Charter which provides us with a framework through which we can work to identify and self-reflect on the barriers standing in the way of minority ethnic staff and students.

Employee Networks

We have a range of equality and diversity-related staff networks including the Essex Women’s Network, Parent’s Support Network, Essex Access Forum,  LGBT+ staff network and the Global Forum. Our networks provide opportunities to meet members of our community you may not otherwise come across in your work, discuss issues that affect you or that you’re interested in and gain support from others who may be facing challenges similar to the ones you are facing.

Find out more about diversity and inclusion at the University of Essex.

Technician Commitment

The University of Essex has been a signatory of the Technician Commitment since May 2017.

The Technician Commitment is a university and research institution initiative, led by a steering group of sector bodies, with support from the Science Council and the Gatsby Charitable Foundation’s Technicians Make It Happen campaign. The Commitment aims to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

Find out more about the University's Technician Commitment action plan.