Equity, equality, diversity and inclusion

Last updated: 2 October

Our vision is “Sheffield Hallam: A Culture of Inclusion”. This means creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment in which everyone feels they belong, irrespective of background or identity. 

Statement on racism and community cohesion 

Sheffield has a proud history as a City of Sanctuary and as a place where people have come together through times of challenge. From our steelmaking heritage to our vibrant and diverse communities today, we know that our strength lies in unity, inclusion and solidarity. 

As leaders and partners in the Race Equality Partnership for Sheffield (REPS) we are clear: racism in any form has no place in our city. We stand together for every community, and we are committed to ensuring that all our colleagues, students and residents feel safe, respected and valued. 

Together we will: 

• Support our colleagues and communities to report and respond to hate crime, and ensure people know how to access the right support 
• Amplify positive stories of Sheffield’s commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging
• Work collectively to create safe spaces for dialogue, understanding and action
• Hold ourselves accountable to Sheffield’s ambition of becoming an anti-racist city

This is not just about responding to current challenges. It is about laying stronger foundations for the future: a city where no one is left behind, and where dignity, respect and fairness are lived values for everyone. 

We stand united: Sheffield will not tolerate racism.

If you see or experience racism, report it anonymously and get support through Report and Support. 

Equality Act Ruling and University response

On 16 April 2025, the UK Supreme Court ruled that “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex, meaning sex recorded at birth.

In response, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) held a public consultation on updates to its guidance. The University submitted a response after collecting anonymous feedback from staff and students — thank you to everyone who contributed.

The consultation has now closed. The EHRC will review feedback, make any changes and submit the final guidance to the Minister for Women and Equalities and Parliament.

There are no changes to University facilities or policies at this time. We’re monitoring developments and will update guidance as needed.

We remain committed to a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves.

If you have any questions, please contact the EEDI team: eedi@shu.ac.uk

Our commitment to disability equality

We are a member of AccessAble and we have detailed information about the accessibility of all our buildings in their online guide. The information aims to empower disabled people to make their own informed decisions as to the usability of a venue based on their own particular access requirements.

Our commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (LGBTQ+) equality

We are proud to hold Stonewall’s Silver Award for leading LGBTQ+ inclusive employers and we are always working with our students and staff to be one of the top LGBTQ+ inclusive universities. We have very active LGBTQ+ student and staff networks and we offer a range of services for our LGBTQ+ students. 

Our commitment to race equality

We are committed to providing an excellent experience for our minority ethnic students. Sheffield Hallam is one of 100 institutions to become a member of the Race Equality Charter (REC). Nationally recognised, the charter helps institutions in the higher education sector to identify and address barriers to race equality.

Our commitment to gender equality

Athena SWAN recognises commitment to the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. Established in 2005 to encourage and advance women in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine), the charter has been expanded to cover equality for all genders. 

The charter now includes AHSSBL (arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law) and professional and support staff. We are proud to hold bronze status for the whole University, as well as one departmental silver award and one departmental bronze award.

Support from the Students' Union

Your Students' Union has a number of elected representatives and committees who build welcoming spaces for all students, including running student groups for minority ethnic students, disabled students, LGBTQ+ students and women students. Visit the Students' Union website for further information and events listings. 

Report and Support Service

For sexual violence, harassment, domestic and relationship abuse, and hate incidents.

Student Support Services have a small team of specialist staff who support students who have experienced sexual violence, harassment, domestic and relationship abuse, and hate incidents. This service offers support with reporting, advice about seeking specialist support services outside the university and support with going through the university complaints procedure in relation to the sexual misconduct of another student. We also refer and signpost for counselling or ongoing emotional support within the Student Wellbeing Service.

Visit our Report and Support page for more information.

Hate Crime Reporting Centre

Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union is a safe, inclusive organisation and we work hard to prevent hate crime and support students who become victims of hate crime. The Students' Union Student Advice Centre is a designated Hate Crime Reporting Centre, which means we provide a free, confidential service to help support you if you feel you have been the victim of a hate crime or hate incident, and to assist you in reporting any incidents as either a victim or a witness.

Find out how to report a hate crime or incident at the Students' Union website.