Our Vision
Arden University proudly celebrates the diversity of our students and colleagues, and is committed to working in partnership with them to proactively and holistically embed accessibility, equity and inclusivity in everything we do. This includes our virtual and physical spaces; our processes and structures; our culture and values; our students’ study experiences and our colleagues’ working experiences, throughout their journey with us. Our vision is to be a university where all our colleagues and students can thrive in their work and studies, and can feel empowered, respected and feel a sense of belonging in being their authentic selves.
Supporting Refugees and Migrants
The Migration and Diversity Research Network (MDRN) is a collaborative initiative at Arden University that unites staff and students who are dedicated to promoting equity, migration, and inclusive research. Established in March 2024, this network aims to connect individuals across various roles, disciplines, and backgrounds, fostering an environment where they can work together, exchange knowledge, and drive meaningful change.
We invite lecturers, professional staff, researchers, interns, and students with personal experiences or academic interests in migration and diversity to join us. MDRN serves as a dynamic space for support, solidarity, and shared scholarship, creating opportunities for everyone to contribute to and benefit from our collective efforts.
EDI Interns Programme
Every year we recruit 5-10 Arden students with an interest in EDI to paid internships with the EDI team. They are hired on 6-to-10-week contracts, during which they work with EDI team members on particular strategic projects, sharing their skills, experiences and ideas to embed inclusivity in Arden University.
In 2024, our student interns worked on training and guidance resources for teaching staff, and contributed to EDI events and initiatives. Here’s what they said about the experience:
"My experience being in the EDI team was fantastic; I gained lots of new experiences, learned a lot, and met great people. My only qualm is that I wasn't able to stay longer!"
"We do not have something like EDI lecturer or EDI department in my country of origin, so I was very curious about how it works from the inside. Turns out, EDI is embedded in everything that happens in the university – from PowerPoint slides preparation or the development of the course materials that you see on iLearn to major events with guest speakers. Students often do not realise how much work goes into creating the atmosphere of belonging in the classroom and beyond."
Arden Colleague Networks
We have seven EDI network groups for colleagues, and one group for both colleagues and students. These are:
- ArGen – our gender equality network for colleagues
- SPARKle – our LGBTQI+ network for colleagues
- REN – our Race & Ethnicity Network for colleagues
- DAWN – our Disability Accessibility and Wellbeing Network for colleagues
- Migration and Diversity Network – supporting our international colleagues
- NDN – our Neurodiversity Network, our neurodiversity network for colleagues and students
- Balance – Supporting our colleagues and educating around Perimenopause and Menopause
- Parent & Carers Network – coming soon
These networks play a crucial role in shaping the future of Arden, so that we are inclusive and supportive for our diverse staff and student body.
Arden Student Communities
We are currently in the process of developing our Student Communities. These will be a major way to provide student voice in the way that things are done at Arden. Working with our Student Association, Student President and Officers we will develop these networks into communities that stretch across campuses and also to students who are studying online anywhere in the world.
EQUITY
Accessible education for every learner, regardless of backgroun, we challenge the systematic barriers and level the playing field so every student can succeed.
DIVERSITY
Representation in our students and colleagues, faculty and leadership. We celebrate and cultivate difference.
INCLUSION
Safe, supportive environments where voices are valued. We ensure everyone feels respected, empowered and engaged.
BELONGING
Community where individuals don't just fit in, they thrive. We build a community where everyone is not only welcomed, but deeply valued.
14% of staff disclosing a disability, increased from 13% in 2024
33% of staff are Black, Asian or Global Majority, increasing from 31% in 2024
Currently 65% of staff are female, static since 2024 but increased from 64% in 2023
9% of staff dsclose an LGBTQ+ identity, remaining static since 2023
1.5% of staff identify as Trans or Non-binary, increased from 1% in 2024
31% of staff age 45+ in 2024 strong religious diversity across all groups
Out at Arden
Out at Arden is our way of celebrating and supporting our LGBTQ+ community at Arden.
Colleagues who choose to take part wear an Out at Arden badge to show they are proud members of the LGBTQ+ community and are here to offer support, understanding, and connection.
It’s a small symbol with a big message: You are seen. You are valued. You belong here.
Accessibility at Arden
Accessibility is a core value at Arden, and we strive to make all of our digital and physical environments as inclusive and user friendly as possible. As a team, we support colleagues to make their work more accessible by providing resources and training, and share best practice, updates and guidance through networks and bespoke consultancy. We also conduct regular reviews of practice and physical spaces, and feed into policy reviews and development to ensure our processes reflect our inclusive culture. Student voice is at the centre of everything we do, and we partner with students from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences to reduce and remove any barriers to their success, and to inform our work and understanding. To find out more, or to share ideas, concerns or feedback please email us.
Sanctuary at Arden
Arden University is committed to becoming a University of Sanctuary, creating a welcoming, safe and empowering environment for refugees, asylum seekers and all forcibly displaced learners. Led by the EDI Team, Arden STARs and Migration and Diversity Research Network, our Sanctuary initiative brings together students, staff and community partners to reduce barriers to education and to champion belonging, inclusion and opportunity.
Our work includes supporting students with lived experience through tailored guidance, peer connections, and access to learning pathways; collaborating with national networks such as Student Action for Refugees (STAR) and Universities of Sanctuary; and promoting awareness across the University through events, training and research-led practice.
The initiative is grounded in Arden’s belief that education should be accessible to all, regardless of background or immigration journey. As we progress through the University of Sanctuary accreditation process, we continue to listen to our displaced learners, amplify their voices and ensure that Arden is a place where they can thrive.
Curriculum Review
Throughout 2024 and 2025, the EDI team worked tirelessly to make sure our curriculum is as vibrant and diverse as our student body. We have now completed our review of 225 modules, reviewing every module page and activity for diversity, accessibility and inclusion, and have made 43,665 recommendations for changes that would make the module more inclusive. These include:
- 24,711 images that didn’t have an alt text description
- 7,946 activities which could be made more inclusive for disabled students
- 3,167 activities where instructions could be made clearer
- 711 areas which could be made more inclusive for neurodiverse students
- 552 areas where more diverse representation was needed
- 218 areas of distressing or upsetting content, where we recommend adding a content warning to support students who may have experienced trauma in that area
These changes are rolling out throughout 2025 and 2026.
Student Inclusion Panel
Our Student Inclusion Panel launched in 2022, and is a valuable source of staff-student partnership in Arden University. This group of dedicated, diverse students meet once a month to work with the EDI team on strategic projects to improve accessibility and inclusion across Arden University. In 2025, the Student Inclusion Panel contributed to a range of initiatives, including the look and feel of our learning design, videos to support disabled students, and guidance for accessible study practices. They also asked for training on presentation skills, and gave inspiring presentations to staff across Arden University, sharing their experiences and their recommendations for change.
We recruit to the Student Inclusion Panel every autumn for a January start. Find out more or express interest in being a panel member.
Meet the Team
Kate Lister
Kasia Senyszyn
Rob Barnsley
Damilola Folyan
Hilal Yildiz
Maryaa Bibi
