Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

Purpose

The UK Organization for Biotechnology and Computational Science (UKABCS) is committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all of its activities. This policy ensures that all individuals—regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, or academic background—have fair and equal access to the opportunities provided by UKABCS.

Scope

This policy applies to all aspects of UKABCS’s work, including:

• Grant-making and funding opportunities
• Partnerships and collaborations
• Educational and training programmes
• Conferences, workshops, and events
• Governance and internal operations

Principles

1. Equal Opportunities
   • All applicants, members, staff, and partners will be treated fairly and without discrimination.
   • Selection for grants, partnerships, or participation in events will be based solely on merit, eligibility, and alignment with UKABCS’s mission.
2. Diversity
   • UKABCS actively values and seeks diversity in research, recognising that varied perspectives enrich scientific innovation.
   • Special encouragement will be provided for participation by underrepresented groups, including women and researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
3. Inclusion
   • UKABCS ensures that its platforms, events, and resources are accessible to all.
   • Reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities or specific needs.
4. Respect and Fair Treatment
   • All individuals engaged with UKABCS are expected to act with mutual respect.
   • Harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any form will not be tolerated.

Implementation

• Recruitment of reviewers, panels, and committees will reflect diverse expertise and backgrounds.
• Monitoring systems will track the participation and success of different demographic groups.
• Training on EDI principles will be provided to trustees, staff, and volunteers involved in decision-making.
• Partnerships will be sought with organizations that share UKABCS’s commitment to equality and inclusion.

Accountability

• The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy.
• Annual reports will include EDI metrics to demonstrate progress and areas for improvement.
• Concerns or breaches of this policy can be reported confidentially and will be addressed promptly.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains aligned with UKRI standards, UK equality legislation, and international best practices in research governance.