Where everyone belongs, can express their true selves, and thrive
At Southampton Solent University we are proud of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Our vision for Equality and Wellbeing is a strategic, university-wide approach that ensures everyone is supported to thrive, succeed and achieve their potential in a way that resonates with them. To achieve this, we have developed a clear statement of commitment toward Equality and Wellbeing which serves as the foundation for creating an inclusive and thriving University community.
We want to create positive change that is valued by our diverse communities including those that work, study or visit Solent, and have developed a clear statement of commitment on EDI, alongside a plan to create a more inclusive environment through our Six Pillars of Equality and Wellbeing.
Where everyone belongs, can express their true selves, and thrive
At Southampton Solent University we are proud of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Our vision for Equality and Wellbeing is a strategic, university-wide approach that ensures everyone is supported to thrive, succeed and achieve their potential in a way that resonates with them. To achieve this, we have developed a clear statement of commitment toward Equality and Wellbeing which serves as the foundation for creating an inclusive and thriving University community.
We want to create positive change that is valued by our diverse communities including those that work, study or visit Solent, and have developed a clear statement of commitment on EDI, alongside a plan to create a more inclusive environment through our Six Pillars of Equality and Wellbeing.
Making Southampton an inclusive city
Across Southampton, organisations have come together to create meaningful and change-making Inclusion Pledges. The pledges have been created from a series of Inclusion Workshops launched early in 2021, by Southampton 2025 Trust with John Hansard Gallery, University of Southampton as a response to the wider consultation for the UK City of Culture 2025 bid process.
For our inclusion pledge, Solent has developed an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan, which was created collaboratively with our staff and students, and which outlines the University’s commitment to EDI and brings together key enabling activities to create a coherent direction for the University and commits us to SMART actions.
All participating organisations took away from the process the skills and learning to begin the development of meaningful pledges to actively promote inclusivity throughout their organisations. Visit www.southampton2025.co.uk for more information about Inclusion Pledges.
Solent's statement of equality and wellbeing
We recognise that true excellence flourishes in an environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered. We want to create a university community that champions both equality and wellbeing, ensuring that everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.
I think it is important that the perspectives of everybody that is part of the Solent community be taken into account and I hope that, with all of us working together, we are able to achieve positive and meaningful change for everyone.
Kayleigh Quinn, Senior Student Conduct Officer
"During my five years at Solent and one year as LGBTQ+ Staff Network Chair, I have always felt comfortable to be myself – openly and authentically.
Solent does take real pride in this, and so they should. I hope when people come to Solent, staff or student, they know they can be out and proud but with no expectation that they should be anything but who they are and what they’re comfortable with. I am excited to see how the Network can continue to grow and how Solent’s EDI strategy develops to ensure Solent remains the championing workplace it already is.”
I believe Solent to be committed to being an inclusive, safe and diverse workplace; acknowledging that we are all valuable individuals.
Jim Irving, PVC Students and Governance
"I love working in higher education. I feel incredibly lucky to support the transformative difference that education makes for our students, our society, and our world.
As a gay man and a senior leader, it is important to lead by example. I was delighted to join Solent University in January 2022 as University Secretary and Registrar and a member of the Vice Chancellor’s Group. Our values and commitment to being a university open to all are to be celebrated, and our EDI strategy reaffirms our commitment."
Being able to be our authentic selves at work means that we’re at our best in supporting our students.
Useful links
Student Hub
The first port of call for Solent students for academic or personal support.
Equality and diversity
Information for students about equality and diversity at Solent
Students' Union
The Solent SU has information for students about welfare and other support.
Sexual violence and harassment
Information and advice for students who have been a victim of a sexual crime or harassment.
LGBTQ+ students
Information about the support provided by Solent for LGBTQ+ students.
