Executive Chair foreword
Foreword written by Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Research England Executive Chair, May 2025.
Universities and the research and knowledge exchange they conduct are the product of the depth, diversity, and spectrum of talent they bring together. Universities are focal points of knowledge, creativity, curiosity and the rigorous pursuit of excellence, a unique blend that is only as rich as the diversity of the communities they serve and support.
Research England is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive workforce and to delivering sector-wide leadership by catalysing new ways of working and bringing people together, empowering the talented people in our sector to collaborate and thrive.
Our equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan is our next, not our first, step towards further strengthening our commitments to creating and maintaining the conditions for a fairer, more diverse, and more inclusive sector for all.
This plan comprises a clear set of actions which will move us towards this aim, with the benefit of dedicated expert advice from our EDI Expert Advisory Group. It represents an opportunity for us to drive EDI as a priority both in how we conduct our role as a funder, and in how institutions utilise the funding we provide. Our ambition and commitment to EDI remains as strong as it has always been.
We have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion considerations throughout our policy activity and funding delivery, and will continue to work collaboratively with the higher education sector to deliver our EDI action plan. This will drive the development of a more inclusive research and knowledge exchange system as a sector leader, funder, and employer, and through enhancing the evidence base.
Expert Advisory Group Chair and Deputy Chair foreword
Foreword written by Dr Arun Verma, Research England Expert Advisory Group Chair, and Dr Lexi Webster, Research England Expert Advisory Group Deputy Chair, May 2025.
The action plan for equality, diversity and inclusion as set out by Research England marks the start of an important and potentially joyful journey for the higher education, research and innovation sector. It signals a strengthened commitment from the higher education, research and innovation sector to be world-leading by enabling equitable opportunities, celebrating diversity of background, mind and thought, and cultivating cultures of inclusion to ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge and impact.
We recognise the climate in which leading equality, diversity and inclusion work can be challenging to navigate. We therefore welcome Research England’s continued commitment and ambition to actively prioritising equality, diversity and inclusion.
As Chair and Deputy Chair, and on behalf of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Expert Advisory Group, we have worked with colleagues at Research England to ensure that the objectives help actualise a vision to sustain, promote and embed equality, diversity and inclusion within the higher education sector.
The action plan set out here shows the effort to consult with stakeholders that went into developing the evidence-informed objectives and actions presented here. These objectives are accompanied by specific success measures and outputs, reflecting our commitment to the plan being driven by values of transparency and accountability.
We are grateful to the members of the Expert Advisory Group, Research England and communities across the sector for their participation and engagement in helping shape this plan and build the foundations of its success. We look forward to continuing to update you and seeing the outcomes of these actions come to be a core fixture of the sector’s activities in funding, research and leadership.
Introduction
Research England has a long-standing commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the research and knowledge exchange system. Since our inception in 2018, we have supported the enhancement of EDI in the English higher education sector through policy development, funding, and sector engagement. We have done this through strategic partnership across UKRI, with the UK higher education funding bodies, the Office for Students, and other key stakeholder groups.
The first edition of our action plan has been developed in the context of the UKRI EDI strategy and has the same overriding ambition to ‘foster a research and innovation system for everyone by everyone’. The Research England plan forms part of a suite of UKRI EDI action plans which collectively deliver a variety of interventions relevant to different disciplines and sectors.
Research England’s ambition to effect change is a long-term one and the steps will be incremental. The actions and objectives in this document will continue to evolve as the sector responds to future challenges and opportunities. We will monitor progress on our actions when we are six months into the plan, and will review and update the action plan on an annual basis thereafter.
The commitment to creating and maintaining the conditions for a fairer, more diverse, and more inclusive sector for all that underpin Research England’s EDI action plan also underpins our EDI commitment for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029, including our ambition to recognise the environments that shape research excellence.
The REF is undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies. The exercise has several measures in place to support greater equality, diversity, and inclusion, which includes the introduction of a new People and Diversity Advisory Panel that has a specific role to advise the funding bodies on advancing EDI throughout the framework. This action plan is therefore complementary to, while standing independent from, REF 2029.
Research England's vision statement for EDI
Research England aims to create and sustain the conditions for a diverse and inclusive research and knowledge exchange system in the higher education sector. We will deliver a transparent, consistent, and robust approach towards embedding EDI practices as both a funder and as an employer, and we will seek to ensure that our funding and policies promote diversity and inclusivity within the higher education sector.
How we have developed the plan
The Research England EDI action plan has been developed through frequent engagement with and involvement from our EDI Expert Advisory Group. The group is appointed to provide expert external advice and guidance to Research England on our approach to supporting and improving EDI in the higher education sector in England.
We have also engaged widely on the development of this plan with key representative groups from across the sector, including a range of perspectives from:
- different types of higher education providers (HEPs)
- the higher education workforce
- Research England’s Council and colleagues from across UKRI
We will continue to engage widely as the plan develops. Finally, we have consulted our own staff to identify opportunities to embed EDI into our work, and to ensure actions are measurable and achievable.
We have drawn from a broad evidence base to inform the need for, and shape of, the actions we are taking, and we will continue to gather evidence on imbalances in the research and knowledge exchange system so that we can design actions to address them.
In being evidence-led and outcomes-focused, the Research England action plan prioritises activities through which we have the greatest influence and can have the most impact, while being mindful of our intention not to introduce unnecessary or disproportionate requirements for HEPs.
We are acutely aware of the pressures currently facing the higher education sector. The actions we have set out reflect our close consideration of this context during development of the action plan.
Objectives
We are working closely with UKRI colleagues to deliver the UKRI EDI strategy, which both supports and anchors our own ambitions and plans for EDI, to bring about systemic change through collective efforts.
Given our unique position in the system as a funder of HEPs and our leadership role in effecting systems-level change, we have used the UKRI EDI strategic objectives to develop four specific objectives that reflect our role and ambitions as a funder and partner, leader, and employer:
- To advance Research England’s funding, partnership, and engagement practices to create a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive research and knowledge exchange system.
- To enhance Research England’s data and evidence collection, analysis, and sharing to improve our own and the sector’s understanding of and responses to EDI issues in the system.
- To further develop the EDI confidence and capabilities of Research England’s staff, as well as our workplace culture and wellbeing.
- To be a more inclusive organisation by embedding EDI in our internal decision-making structures and improving the accessibility of our external communications.
Objective 1
Objective description: to advance Research England’s funding, partnership, and engagement practices to create a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive research and knowledge exchange system.
Action 1
Research England will develop, in conversation with the sector, a pilot exercise to explore gathering insight into the use and approaches of Strategic Institutional Research Funding (SIRF) by English higher education providers as part of the Transparency Programme.
Research England currently aims to begin rolling out the pilot exercise from academic year 2025 to 2026. RE will identify opportunities to explore EDI during a sector-wide pilot exercise with HEPs.
We will ensure that an appropriate approach to provide transparency in how SIRF is used is developed iteratively and in partnership with the English HE research sector. It will signal assurance of SIRF to HEPs, including the relationship of SIRF uses with EDI activities and impacts.
The final product used in the Transparency Programme will embed a wide-ranging set of voices and representation of experiences, provider types and sizes, and regions across England. This will ensure that it’s accessible and usable across the diverse set of HEPs. Research England will better understand the approach to SIRF in HEPs, and wider implications broadly relating to EDI practices.
This includes uses of SIRF in relation to EDI activity within and beyond HEPs, as well as internal decision-making practices.
Success measures
- English HEPs engage with the pilot stage of the Transparency Programme in a proportionate manner, sharing insights in relation to the approach and impact for the HEPs.
- Provision of feedback from HEPs on the approach, to develop a better, evidenced-based and sector-influenced approach to transparency that considers EDI and the needs of the sector proportionately.
- An improved, practical, and achievable approach that captures HEPs use of SIRF aiming to minimise adverse EDI impacts is delivered by Research England beyond academic year 2025 to 2026.
Outputs
- Draft template for piloting with HEPs, including capturing information on themes of SIRF use.
- Summary of insights and feedback from stakeholder engagements including any reflections relating to EDI impacts.
Action 2
Work in partnership with the Research England EDI Expert Advisory Group to explore how to maximise the extent to which the Research England Development (RED) Fund improves EDI outcomes, as part of a wider review of the RED Fund.
Research England will have a better understanding of how the RED Fund effects change in relation to EDI, in turn effecting greater change through revisions to the fund. Additionally, the fund will be more accessible to the sector.
Success measures
- There is an agreed approach to maximising EDI outcomes through the RED fund, that has considered each stage of the application pipeline and funding award process.
Outputs
- Completed options analysis and review, undertaken with the support and guidance of the Research England EDI Expert Advisory Group.
- A list of assessed options and indicative timeframes for moving forward with them.
Objective 2
Objective description: to enhance Research England’s data and evidence collection, analysis, and sharing to improve our own and the sector’s understanding of and responses to EDI issues in the system.
Action 3
To review and build the evidence base on the effectiveness of the ring-fenced enhancing research culture (ERC) funding as part of the SIRF review. This includes capturing better understanding where ERC funding has been used to create, support or enhance EDI-related initiatives.
Research England is undertaking a review of the effectiveness of our ring-fenced funding as part of the SIRF review, this includes the enhancing research culture fund. The review has the potential to provide evidence for future changes to research funding approaches. This will include considering the extent to which the activities that ringfenced funding incentivises have become embedded in institutional practice within HEPs and the case for future targeted funding.
Research England will coordinate opportunities to share best practice across HEPs through their approaches and uses of ERC funding, particularly where ERC funding has been used to create, support or enhance EDI-related interventions.
We will carry out an internal review of the current approach to ERC to ensure that it is effective in delivering against the objectives of the funding. This will help to improve our understanding of how HEPs use ERC funding, and whether it is contributing to enhancing research culture within their institution including embedding EDI-related activities. The review will result in a comprehensive evidence base to improve long-term sustainable management of SIRF and ensure funding is allocated in a fair and transparent manner.
Success measures
- Using the outcomes of the SIRF Impact Evaluation to inform policy development including wider EDI impacts of SIRF and the ERC fund.
- Evidence including contributions to EDI initiatives and research culture, to support decision-making around the approach to ring-fenced funding.
Outputs
- Research England to engage with HEPs to reflect the diversity of experiences and approaches relating to ERC funding. Through this engagement activity, Research England aims to take an open approach to sharing outcomes, providing opportunity for wider engagement, maximising the breadth of voices that can contribute to evidence.
- RSM and RAND SIRF Impact Evaluation Report to be published in autumn 2025 which will include evidence on the impact of ring-fenced funding and ERC from 25 HEPs. This report will be used to support Research England’s ongoing review of the effectiveness of ring-fenced funding.
Action 4
To identify opportunities and test what evidence can be collected on EDI in relation to HEIF in 2025, including in future and proportionate collection of HEIF accountability information.
We will ensure that HEPs have appropriate frameworks in place to ensure activities supported by HEIF are fair and do not present barriers to participation or disadvantage any groups from participation.
Success measures
- Engagement with HEPs to gather input and feedback, to guide our approach to incorporating information on EDI practices into the HEIF accountability framework.
- Guidance produced for submission of EDI information through the next multi-year HEIF accountability statement collection process.
Outputs
- Guidance produced for submission of EDI information through future HEIF accountability processes, that describes a meaningful and proportionate approach. This will include consideration of recommendations provided by Research England’s EDI Expert Advisory Group relating to how far Research England can encourage collection of EDI information in the HEIF accountability framework.
Action 5
Explore how Research England and Office for Students can maximise the impact of the postgraduate research (PGR) programme to bring about systemic changes in the sector and in our own practices.
Research England aims to support the embedding of change within the pilot project HEPs, bearing in mind funding constraints. We will identify good practice and barriers to success for wider sharing, scaling and adoption of approaches within the sector. We will promote strategic collaboration to embed equality, diversity and inclusion across the sector and aim to improve access and participation for under-represented Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in PGR.
Success measures
- Continue to deliver activities in support of the PGR programme (such as making resources available).
- Encourage projects to actively plan, within reason and financial constraints, for sustaining project interventions and outcomes.
Outputs
A plan to support approaches being sustained and adopted more widely within the sector. This includes:
- Funding for resources to be made available online by end of 2025, to ensure their availability beyond the end of the programme.
- Increased engagements with new and existing networks, including HEPs, other relevant policymakers or others, initially through a targeted policy networking event in November 2025.
Objective 3
Objective description: to further develop the EDI confidence and capabilities of Research England’s staff, as well as our workplace culture and wellbeing.
Action 6
Increase EDI confidence among staff through the provision of an accessible resource hub on Research England’s intranet.
We will enable all Research England staff to consider EDI in an informed, confident, and appropriate manner, through all stages of a project or scheme. There will be a consistency of understanding and approach to EDI enabled by access to relevant tools and training.
Success measures
- Staff can more directly and independently access EDI resources and tools relevant to their work.
Outputs
- Creation of an online EDI toolkit or resource library, including glossaries, templates, and a repository of completed Equality Impact Assessments, drawing on and complementing wider resources across UKRI.
- Facilitation of mechanisms, networks and line management approach to highlight skills gaps and training requirements.
- Signposting or commissioning of relevant and necessary training and learning opportunities.
Objective 4
Objective description: to be a more inclusive organisation by embedding EDI in our internal decision-making structures and improving the accessibility of our external communications.
Action 7
Further embed EDI into internal decision-making processes by advancing guidance on completing and reviewing EDI-specific sections of documents used at decision-making meetings.
Research England is committed to fostering consistent and effective decision-making and policy-setting in the context of EDI across the breadth of Research England’s activities.
Success measures
- Increased consideration of EDI in relation to matters considered at Research England’s decision-making meetings.
Outputs
- Updated guidance for producing internal documents.
Accountability and reporting on the plan
The plan comprises activities taking place across Research England, and progress against the specific activities detailed in this plan will be managed by the teams who own those particular workstreams.
The impact and effectiveness of the EDI outcomes and objectives will be monitored and regularly reviewed by the EDI Expert Advisory Group, with input from the Research England EDI staff network and other external stakeholders we might from time to time consult with.
Periodic monitoring updates will be reported to the Research England Senior Leadership Team and Council. Any changes to the plan or future iterations will be subject to scrutiny and advice from the EDI Expert Advisory Group and endorsement from the Senior Leadership Team and Council.
We will also ensure timely progress and activity updates are reported to wider UKRI EDI networks, ensuring that the outputs and learning from our activities are captured in the context of the objectives of the UKRI EDI strategy.