Enhancing Equality Diversity and Inclusion for Institutional Success
We partner with institutions to strengthen equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategies, ensuring they align with organisational priorities and meet the evolving expectations of staff and students. Our evidence-based support helps institutions sustain progress and embed inclusive practices that deliver impact.
Navigating Today’s Challenges
Higher education faces complex and dynamic challenges that demand strategic responses:
- Financial Pressures
Rising costs and frozen student fees strain resources and services. - Global Political Backlash
Populist movements and societal debates create challenging conditions for EDI. - Regulatory Complexity
Increased legal obligations and reputational risks require robust compliance. - Diversifying Student Demographics
Growing expectations for accessibility and belonging across diverse populations. - Societal Conversations
Issues such as free speech, gender-based violence, and mental health demand proactive engagement. - Institutional Capacity
Leaders must balance priorities and sustain progress amid resource constraints.
These challenges require integrated, intersectional approaches that link EDI to organisational strategy and values.
Explore our insights
Inclusive Institutions Framework Executive Summary
The Inclusive Institutions Framework (IIF) is a strategic, robust and externally validated approach for embedding equity, diversity and inclusion across an institution.
Tapping the talent: Securing student wellbeing outcomes
Produced by Curtin University, Australia, alongside Lund University, Murdoch University and Curtin University, Dubai, and part of the Advance HE Collaborative Development Fund 2024-25, this project aimed to support and evaluate student wellbeing within global university campuses through “Comfort Corner”, a student peer mentor wellbeing program.
Embedding Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
This guidance document supports HEIs to consider how organisational commitments, policies and actions meet regulatory and legislative requirements and can positively align with and support efforts in promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom.
Our approach
We work in partnership with institutional leaders to co-create solutions that sustain EDI progress. Our consultancy combines global expertise, sector-leading guidance, and practical tools to help institutions navigate complexity and deliver inclusive outcomes.
Key areas of expertise:
Meet our experts
David Bass
Director of Inclusion and Governance, Advance HE
David brings a wealth of experience working with universities and the tertiary sector, in equality and diversity, governance, access, as well as strategic planning and management. David has been central to ensuring EDI is strongly embedded in Advance HE’s new strategy and in the development of our CEO’s Race Action Group.
Dr Ruth Gilligan
Deputy Director of Inclusive Institutions
Dr Ruth Gilligan is Deputy Director of Inclusive Institutions at Advance HE. She is responsible for the strategic leadership of the Athena Swan Charter for gender equality and the Race Equality Charter which operate in the UK and internationally.
