Welcome!

What is EDI?

Throughout this toolkit we will use the acronym EDI to mean Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Durham University is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and enabled to thrive. Our staff and students are at the heart of everything we do, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is integral to our purpose and guides our actions. This toolkit will help embed the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into application processes across the institution, and beyond.

To navigate this site, you can follow the toolkit in order by clicking through the tiles, starting with the top left tile on this page, and following the NEXT: tiles on subsequent pages. Alternatively, you can use the menu at the top of the screen to go directly to specific sections. The menu will either show up as three horizontal lines, or a list of sections with drop-down menus, depending on the size of your screen. It is also replicated as an overview at the very bottom of each page (after the Durham University logo). At any time, you can click on the logo in the top left to return to this page.

1 – Before You Get Started: General Considerations

Before you get started with designing your application process it is worth considering the below aspects. This will ensure you embed EDI from the beginning and save you time in the long run. Please select the tiles below to navigate the site. When you are ready to move to the next section, select the last, […]

2 – The Job or Funding Opportunity Advert

This is the first time many of your applicants will interact with you. Lack of equity, diversity and inclusion at this stage could cause strong applicants to overlook your opportunity, even if you have made significant efforts elsewhere to enhance your EDI considerations. Please select the tiles below to learn more about how to embed […]

3 – The Application Form and Process

The design of the application form or application process dictates what information applicants provide, but also how they may be assessed (employment panel/reviewers). There are many ways in which your form and process may be designed to enhance equity, diversity and inclusion. If you have any suggestions, comments or queries, please reach out to us […]

4 – The Review Process

At this point, you have created your application materials and process in the best possible way to enhance equity, diversity and inclusion in your applicant pool. Now you must ensure that the review process does not undo this hard work. It will help to have your proposed review process considered by your advisory board or […]

5 – The Award Stage

By this point you have created an application process with EDI considerations embedded throughout, and now it is important to ensure you continue to consider EDI in how you award an employment position or funding. After all, if you have successfully embedded EDI in your application process, then you may well be making offers of […]

6 – Post-Award Stage

If you have successfully embedded EDI in your application process you are likely to need to think carefully about ensuring the diverse needs of your successful applicants are met in an inclusive fashion. All of your hard work in ensuring the success of diverse individuals in your recruitment drive or funding call could be wasted […]

7 – Providing Ongoing Support

Congratulations on putting together and implementing an inclusive application process! The final step is to ensure that you provide ongoing support for your successful applicant(s). Providing ongoing support is vital to new employees or funding awardees. For funders, ongoing support is crucial in ensuring your successful applicants are able to make the most of the […]

8 – Further Resources

This section provides additional resources, as well as links to research on the benefits of embedding EDI in application processes.