Equality and Diversity at OU
The Open University is innovative, responsive and inclusive.
We deliver world-class, part-time education to people across the four nations of the UK, Ireland and worldwide. We make a significant contribution to employability and productivity, strengthening the UK economy.
Since 1969, we have promoted educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality education to all those who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential. More than two million people have experienced this life-changing learning through their study with us.
Our mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas and this means that a commitment to equality is embedded in all that we do. We celebrate diversity and the strengths that it brings and we challenge under-representation and differences in outcomes.
Discrimination arising from individual characteristics and circumstances is not only unlawful, but a waste of talent and a denial of opportunity, preventing individuals, organisations and societies from achieving their growth potential.
For more information, view The Open University’s Anti-Discrimination Statement and Anti-Racism Statement.
Equality Scheme & Objectives
The Open University Equality Scheme 2022–2026
Our equality scheme 2022-2026 sets out how as an organisation we are committed to developing an inclusive university community. Through our equality objectives we aim to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, to promote and advance equality of opportunity and to promote and foster good relations between people.
The equality scheme incorporates the following characteristics and circumstances: age, care and dependency, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, political opinion, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Managing and mainstreaming equality and diversity
We manage and mainstream equality and diversity in order to meet our statutory equality duties and more by:
- Consulting and engaging with staff
- Developing inclusive policy
- Developing staff
- Influencing partners
- Influencing providers of goods and services
- Monitoring equality of opportunity
- Planning and reporting performance
- Providing accessible information and services
- Publishing information
- Sharing resources
- Widening participation
- Working with equality organisations