Built for community

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

University of the Built Environment is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in everything it does. It values the different perspectives and strengths of its staff, students, and Trustees, recognising that people are central to its success. The University provides accessible, flexible, and affordable education to a diverse global community, helping learners develop their careers, enhance professionalism, and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

At University of the Built Environment, we are committed:

• to achieving equality for all those who learn and work here
• to providing equality of opportunity and freedom from unlawful discrimination
• to delivering courses that are accessible to all students, regardless of age, location or any protected characteristics
• to embedding a working and learning environment which makes all students, staff and trustees feel part of a community, one which celebrates diversity and provides equal opportunities for all
• to challenging under-representation, discrimination and differences in outcomes.

The University is a member of the 30% Club, which collectively seeks to promote gender equality on Boards and Senior Management Teams in organisations across the world as a first step towards true diversity and equality. Our Board of Trustees is 36% female, and its Senior Leadership Team is 50% female.

The Board of Trustees believes that equality, diversity, and inclusion are essential to the success of the University and the wider built environment sector. The Board supports the University’s EDI commitments and works to widen participation by embedding EDI into governance and decision-making. This includes regularly reviewing progress and performance, appointing an EDI Lead Trustee, and taking active steps to increase diversity on the Board and ensure inclusive recruitment practices.

You can read our full EDI statement here

Widening participation

At University of the Built Environment, we believe that higher education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our Widening Participation Strategy is dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for students from underrepresented groups to achieve their full potential.

We recognise that we have a role to play in Widening Participation and have specific targets and objectives to address this. These are embedded in our Widening Participation Strategy and Access and Participation Plan.