Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan 2026-2031

Strategic Plan Library

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategic Plan replaces the Open University’s 2022 Institutional Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan and Equality Scheme for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland bringing our EDI “why” and “how” into a single document. 

It signals a strategic shift from a focus on equality, understood as providing the same support to everyone, to a focus on equity, understood as recognising different needs and responding through targeted, contextualised action to advance inclusion.

The EDI Strategic Plan sets a clear direction for the whole University and provides a shared framework for every part of the OU to drive change and embed equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Central to this approach is ensuring that lived experience informs decision-making in practice. This means creating meaningful opportunities for minoritised groups to contribute, influence and be heard with confidence that input is acted on meaningfully and in a timely way. 

To make the strategy accessible and easy to engage with, we have provided it in three formats. All formats are available via Word, PDF, and HTML:

• Full Strategic Plan

  The full version provides comprehensive detail on our vision, objectives, commitments and delivery plans. It is intended for those who would like a complete understanding of our EDI approach and the work that will support it.

• Light Strategic Plan

  The light version presents the key themes, priorities and commitments in a shorter, more concise format. It is ideal for readers who want an overview of the strategy and its main objectives.

• Plan on a page

  This version captures the strategy content into one page, making it easy to navigate and digest. 

We encourage you to explore the format that best meets your needs and learn more about how we are working together to build a more equitable, diverse and inclusive future.