Section 1: Purpose

ISH is committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment where all staff, students, and stakeholders feel a sense of belonging, are empowered to reach their full potential, and are treated with dignity and respect. This Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy outlines our commitment to promoting equality, valuing diversity, and eliminating unlawful discrimination, ensuring that everyone can fully engage in all aspects of ISH’s community and benefit from a supportive and enriching experience.

Section 2: Scope

This policy applies to all staff, students, contractors, and visitors of ISH. It covers all aspects of ISH’s activity, including recruitment, admissions, teaching, research, professional development, partnerships, and social and cultural engagement.

Section 3: Principles

ISH is guided by the following principles:

• Equality: Everyone has the right to equal access to opportunities, resources, and support. We are committed to removing barriers that prevent participation or progression.

• Diversity: We recognise and celebrate differences in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, understanding that diversity strengthens our academic, cultural and social community.

• Inclusion: We strive to create an environment in which everyone feels valued and respected, is able to be their authentic selves without fear of judgment, and can contribute fully to all aspects of life at ISH.

• Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for promoting EDI, challenging discrimination, fostering positive behaviours, and promoting good relationships and mutual understanding between individuals who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Section 4: Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with UK legislation and guidance, including:

• The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act (2023)

• The Equality Act (2010)

• The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act (2008)

• The Racial and Religious Hatred Act (2006)

• The Civil Partnership Act (2004)

• The Gender Recognition Act (2004)

• The Criminal Justice Act (2003)

• The Human Rights Act (1998)

• The Protection from Harassment Act (1997)

• The Special Education Needs and Disability Act (2001)

Section 5: Protected Characteristics

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, ISH will prevent discrimination and promote equality in relation to the following protected characteristics:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage and civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual Orientation

Section 6: Responsibilities and Rights

At ISH, equality, diversity, and inclusion, are not only principles but commitments shared across the entire community. Everyone has both rights and responsibilities that help us uphold these values in everything we do.

Institutional leadership ensures EDI is embedded across strategic-planning, decision-making, policies, and resource allocation, modelling inclusive practices and monitoring progress for accountability. Staff promote inclusion in teaching, research, and administration by staying informed of evolving best practices and raising concerns about discrimination or bias. Students contribute by engaging respectfully in a diverse community, reporting harassment or unfair treatment, and embracing the varied backgrounds and perspectives of their peers, helping to foster a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the institution.

In turn, every member of the ISH community has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, to have their voice heard, and to learn or work in an environment where they feel welcomed, and are free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, or victimisation. ISH is committed to providing appropriate guidance and opportunities to support everyone in contributing to a respectful and inclusive environment.

Section 7: Implementation

EDI principles are embedded throughout ISH’s activities, from recruitment and admissions to teaching, research, and professional development. ISH aims to create an environment where all members of the ISH community can fully engage and benefit from participation, with living and learning environments that are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive.

Section 8: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

ISH continuously reviews representation and progression across all protected characteristics and identifying areas for improvement. Policies and practices are regularly assessed and updated, ensuring that ISH remains compliant with legal requirements and responsive to the needs of its community. Ongoing monitoring ensure that EDI remains central to ISH’s culture.

Section 9: Behaviour, Conduct, and Support

ISH has a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any form of misconduct that undermines dignity and respect. Everyone in our community is expected to behave with empathy, integrity and professionalism.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, on the basis of but not limited to, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and/or sexual orientation, is encouraged to use ISH’s complaints procedures.

Any allegations will be treated seriously and managed through established disciplinary or restorative processes, in a manner proportionate to the issue.

Confidential support and guidance are available through ish@sportshumanities.org.

Section 10: Continuous Improvement

ISH recognises that fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion is an ongoing process. This policy will be reviewed regularly, and feedback from staff, students, and stakeholders will be used to refine our approach, ensuring we continue to create a welcoming, supportive, and equitable environment for all.