Our EDI vision and principles - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan

2. Our EDI vision and principles

Our vision for EDI at the OU is to have a fair and inclusive organisational culture and to be sector-leading in equitable and inclusive policy and practice. We will have:

  • students whose journeys are equitable, so that the OU experience is genuinely transformative for all, not just some
  • a diverse staff community at all levels, in terms of lived experience, thought and knowledge
  • a strong sense of belonging, where staff and students feel safe to be themselves and where bullying, harassment, discrimination and microaggressions are not accepted
  • clear alignment between what we say and what we do on EDI
  • commitment and accountability for this vision at all levels of the OU

To achieve this, we will ensure that EDI is embedded in our strategies, policies, processes and everyday behaviours. We will be guided by four principles:

  1. Evidence-led
  • We will base our decisions on reliable data, research and lived experience.
  • We will monitor and evaluate our progress using clear measures and key performance indicators.
  1. Listening and communication
  • We will keep communication open in all directions.
  • We will listen actively to staff, students and partners, and value the lived experience of diverse groups.
  1. Accountability
  • We will set clear, realistic EDI objectives.
  • Responsibility for specific actions will sit with identified leaders, teams, and governance bodies with regular reports on progress.
  1. Alignment and integration
  • We will align EDI objectives with the University strategy and with key frameworks such as the Access, Participation and Success Plan, and the People Strategy.
  • We will integrate EDI into business strategy, risk management, and performance measures across the University.

 

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