We’ve been analysing responses to an open consultation on our draft equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy.
Earlier this year, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) held an open consultation on our draft EDI strategy to which we received over 300 responses, including 111 from organisations.
While detailed analysis of responses is ongoing, we can see that many of the submissions were detailed, thoughtful, and offered constructive perspectives.
These indicated what the strategy got right, what needed to change and where it could be strengthened and refined. We’re grateful to everybody who took the time to share their thinking with us.
Analysis of feedback
The detailed analysis of the feedback will help us to understand the key themes and potential areas of cross-sector focus.
Our aim is for the analysis of the consultation responses to be completed in August this year, with a summary to be published in September.
UKRI will then use the analysis to shape the first edition of the EDI strategy.
We asked in the consultation about opportunities to work with partners across the research and innovation sector and will look at how we can do that in the coming months.
Guided by EDI principles
The analysis of the consultation responses is being undertaken by a third-party contractor, Pye Tait, following an open procurement exercise.
The procurement process was guided by EDI principles. The chosen contractor had to demonstrate that they were familiar with and understood the complexities and sensitivities of the EDI policy environment.
In parallel with the EDI strategy work, UKRI’s councils are taking forward development of their own EDI action plans. These are tailored to respond to the needs of the disciplines and sectors they support.
We expect to publish these action plans and other work, such as our EDI workforce plan, in the coming months.
Developing and shaping EDI strategy
Melanie Welham, UKRI’s executive champion for EDI, commented:
We knew from our regular conversations with many partners across the research and innovation system that people are keen to see UKRI develop its EDI strategy and to play their part in shaping it.
We are taking some time to digest the broad and helpful comments submitted to the consultation, so that whatever emerges is driven by careful analysis.
I’m looking forward to producing a refreshed and refined document.
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