Our member universities are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion for all staff and students in every area of their work. This commitment requires continued evaluation of our organisational policies, procedures and culture and also how these relate to the student experience, and professional fulfilment of our university staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive organisational environment – one in which everyone feels valued, and can learn or work to their full potential – creates a more innovative, rewarding, and productive higher education environment.
Vice Presidents of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group
As Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) has grown as an important agenda item across the university system, so too IUA structures have evolved to support this critical activity.
- To share best practice on EDI in respect of all statutory Equality grounds amongst the IUA member institutions;
- To advise the IUA Council on strategic and operational matters on equality, diversity and inclusion;
- To coordinate relevant activities in relation to the implementation of the Gender Taskforce Report or other sectoral policy initiatives;
- To compile and share data at a sectoral level in relation to EDI;
- To liaise as required with the HEA Centre of Excellence for Gender Equality or similar equality entities;
- To support members’ own implementation activities where appropriate;
- To liaise with other relevant groups such as HR Directors and Registrars within the IUA in relation to EDI.
Developments in this area show the commitment of the Irish universities to work with government on addressing issues relating to equality and diversity, and this commitment is captured formally as a core principle in IUA Strategy 2022-2025.
Areas of focus:
Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment
Universities are committed to placing the student experience at the centre of their mission, fostering an environment where all students can thrive. A safe, respectful academic and social setting is key to achieving this goal.
Gender Equality
Our members are committed to supporting gender equality and inclusion in all areas of their work.
Disability
IUA universities have a strong track record of supporting students and staff with disabilities, championing equal access to higher education for all.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
A University campus is a place where lively, ambitious and diverse people come together to learn, experiment, challenge ideas and all the time grow personally and professionally. Click the link above to read more about our ‘United in Diversity’ campaign.
Universities of Sanctuary
IUA universities are designated ‘Universities of Sanctuary’- an initiative that celebrates the good practice of universities welcoming sanctuary seekers into their communities.
Race Equality
Click the link above to learn more about Race Equality Principles for Irish Higher Education and learn about the online race equality awareness programme entitled ‘Let’s Talk About Race’.
Age-Friendly Universities
Several IUA universities take pride in their designation as ‘Age-Friendly Universities’ – welcoming people of all ages, particularly older adults and valuing their contributions to research and campus life.
In parallel with the EDI initiatives highlighted above, IUA member universities also ensure inclusivity through dedicated Access schemes, services and operational supports for people who are under-represented at university (i.e. students with disabilities, mature students, and those from economically disadvantaged and ethnic minority backgrounds).
Contact the EDI team:
Each of our universities have a team of staff dedicated to leading and promoting all aspects of equality and diversity throughout the University:
Dublin City University
Maynooth University
Trinity College Dublin
University College Cork
University College Dublin
University of Galway
University of Limerick
IUA’s Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is Tony McMahon
Other Useful Links: