Our people are at the heart of everything we do, making the promotion of equality, inclusion, and the valuing of diversity fundamental to our mission and goals.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policy ensures equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and underpins all other policies. These aim to provide every employee with the opportunities to excel, unlock their potential and feel engaged with the Institute.
The Pirbright Institute is a proud holder of an Athena SWAN Silver award. The award recognises the Institute as being an excellent employer for people of all genders in the field of scientific research. Read our application and Gender Equality Plan for more information.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is made up of people across the Institute who represent and advocate for our diverse cohort of staff. They take feedback from colleagues to develop strategies to meet the needs of all; plan and develop initiatives to celebrate the diversity of our community; and continue to follow our PRIDE values - Passion, Reliability, Innovation, Dignity and Respect, and Excellence.
It has led to the creation of a multi-faith room, a nursing mothers’ room and gender inclusive toilets.
Staff networks and support
We host a range of staff networks that provide a forum for colleagues to meet up and discuss particular topics, access information and support or bond over shared lived experiences.
These groups include:
- Rainbow Network
- Neurodiversity Support Network
- Parent and Carers Network
To support staff and students across the Institute, we also have Mental Health First Aiders who are trained to be a listening ear for colleagues.
Additionally, the Staff Forum is a democratically elected group who represent their staff cohort in larger meetings and policy discussions.
Inclusive principles
The Institute believes that all employees, workers, students and visitors should be treated with dignity and respect.
We do not accept unfair discrimination or less favourable treatment on the grounds of any characteristics especially those enshrined in the Equality Act 2010: race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, disability, marriage and civil partnership, gender re-assignment and pregnancy and maternity.
We ensure that opportunities are available on a fair and equitable basis and without discrimination. The Institute also expects all consultants, companies, suppliers, agencies, etc. working with the Institute to follow these principles.
