New handbook explores EDI in Welsh Business Schools

Colleagues at Swansea University have published a handbook exploring the equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) challenges facing Welsh Business Schools and the practices they've developed in order to address them.

The new handbook is the product of a HEFCW-funded QAA Cymru Collaborative Enhancement Project conducted in partnership with teams from Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, Wrexham University, the University of South Wales and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

The project involved students and staff members in a series of workshops which identified a set of key themes and developed a framework for the embedding of EDI priorities in higher education environments.

The handbook charts the development of a range of EDI initiatives through a series of brief case studies. These include discussions of the LGBTQ+ network at Swansea, wellbeing work and race equality efforts at Cardiff, disability confidence and international student support at Bangor, and actions to support Muslim students and staff at the University of South Wales.

It concludes that efforts to promote EDI comprise journeys with many twists and turns on the way, and that, while local circumstances will call for local solutions, real value can be found in the sharing of learning and experiences borne out of such varied initiatives.

‘This is a very accessible, useful and truly inspiring resource,’ said Holly Thomas, Quality and Enhancement Specialist at QAA. ‘We very much hope that colleagues across the sector will be encouraged and excited by the fascinating examples it presents.’

Swansea's Dr Richard Baylis added: ‘Working collaboratively gave partner institutions an opportunity to explore their own practices while reflecting on emerging themes. The involvement of key stakeholders, including students and staff, was key to the project, to make sure the voices of all were heard.’