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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy

Executive summary

We are dedicated to pioneering discovery and translating research into treatments and innovations that improve the lives of patients facing vision loss and blindness.

Our research mission is ‘equity through innovation’ and we want to ensure that the principles and best practices of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are embeded in everything we do. In this way, we will continue to align with the NIHR’s mission to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research in an equal, equitable and inclusive way.

We define EDI broadly, to reflect the protected characteristics set out in the UK Equality Act (2010) and also take account of people’s socio-economic circumstances, where they live and how easily they can access healthcare.

The NIHR EDI strategy is based on five key themes. In our own strategy, we have mirrored these themes but customised them to fit our own circumstances, objectives and projects.

Image shows arms of medical doctor giving blood pressure test to a patient from above

The five themes are

Inclusive grants

Become a more inclusive recipient of grants (increase diversity across the research that we support)

Wider participation

Widen access and participation for greater diversity and inclusion (across those taking part in our patient and public involvement and engagement activity, and those participating in research studies)

Supported talent

Improve and invest in the talent pipeline (the BRC and CRF research and administrative teams)

Evidence-led approaches

Employ evidence-led approaches to diversity and inclusion (in both our research projects and the outcomes of that research)

Impactful collaboration

Collaborate with partners for impact and sustainability (our role within our local, national and international networks, in achieving relevant, effective research outcomes and being strong advocates for EDI).

group of people in a PPIE meeting
If you would like to read the full strategy document with links to references and partners please do so below.
Download the full strategy here (opens in a new window)
We know that there is more to learn and believe that embedding EDI is an iterative and evolving process. We look forward to the many different collaborations that will take us forward.
Read a text only strategy here