Our culture - equality, diversity and inclusion at Exeter
We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive, where diverse voices are heard through engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN & Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) & as a Disability Confident Employer.
Our commitment
"Universities are places of knowledge and opportunity,and should provide opportunity for all. Diversity within our community enriches all aspects of University life and all that we do. But promotion of diversity only goes so far, we also need to ensure that we are a truly inclusive community.
As Vice-Chancellor, I am committed to leading our university in ensuring that ours is an environment that supports and values diversity and promotes equality of opportunity."
Professor Lisa Roberts
Vice Chancellor
Our accreditations
How we support everyone to thrive
At the University of Exeter, our values - Community, Inclusion, Discovery, Excellence and Respect - shape everything we do. We are committed to creating an environment where every member of staff feels genuinely valued, supported, and empowered to grow.
Through Exeter Professional Development, our dedicated hub for learning and development, colleagues have access to a rich range of development support - from coaching and mentoring, secondments, and apprenticeships. Whether you're looking for bite-sized learning, in-depth study, or team development resources, our development offering spans personal and professional skills, digital capabilities, and self-directed learning tools like MindTools - all designed to meet you where you are.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are woven into every aspect of our culture, supported by a wide range of staff networks, including Wellbeing, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and WISE Staff Network and the Collective for Racial Justice. These are open, welcoming spaces so that everyone can find their community at Exeter.
Additionally, colleague wellbeing is central to the way we work. Our people managers are equipped with an evidence-based Mental Health and Stress Toolkit, developed with our own psychology academics and Occupational Health specialists, to help them proactively support team wellbeing and respond with care when colleagues need it most. Our employee assistance programme is available 27x7 for colleagues to seek support when they need it, and our Tailored Adjustment Plans and Workplace Risk assessments are designed to ensure colleagues’ needs are considered and reasonably supported in work.
No matter your background, career stage, or ambitions, Exeter is a place where you can bring your whole self to work - and truly flourish.