Equity, diversity, and inclusion

Inclusive recruitment process 

• We will actively support the recruitment of a diverse student cohort.
• Applications will take into account academic and non-academic skills and experiences, recognizing the value of diverse backgrounds, including work experience, career breaks, and education at non-research-intensive institutions.
• We encourage applications from individuals returning to research after starting a family or gaining work experience.
• Open Days (both in-person and online) allow prospective students to meet supervisors and current students, providing key information to support applications.
• Prior to the online interview (conducted through an unbiased AI platform), applicants have the option to receive mentorship to help them prepare.
• Our selection panels are diverse in terms of gender, ethnicity, and career stage, and always include a PhD student to represent the student voice. 

Commitment to diversity and fair recruitment 

• We strive to recruit students from all walks of life to build a broad and dynamic research community.
• The composition of our Recruitment Committee reflects our EDI principles.
• All recruiters undergo EDI training, covering unconscious bias, diversity in the workplace, and recruitment and selection.
• Applicants who self-identify as having a disability will have access to confidential support throughout the application process and their PhD journey. 

Training and support 

• We provide equal access to high-quality learning, research, and training opportunities in line with our EDI principles.
• We facilitate flexible study options, including part-time registration and working arrangements, to accommodate personal circumstances.
• All Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) training and activities are designed with EDI principles in mind. 

Equitable and safe experience 

• Financial support is available to help with additional costs and caring responsibilities.
• We promote mental health and wellbeing awareness among incoming students and provide resources for both students and supervisors.
• Online materials are accessible to all students to build resilience and maintain well-being throughout their PhD journey.
• Students have access to counselling services trained to address challenges specific to graduate students.
• Supervisors receive training on supporting student well-being.
• All supervisors undergo EDI training, covering unconscious bias, managing diversity, reasonable adjustments, bullying, and harassment. 

Delivery of our EDI objectives 

• Our EDI strategy is led by the WOH EDI Champion, with support from EDI Committees comprising staff and doctoral student representatives from the DLP partner institutes.
• EDI is a standing agenda item within the WOH DTP Management Committee.
• We collaborate with and share best practices among networks such as BAME Networks, LGBTQ+ Networks, Parents’ and Carers’ Networks, Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Networks, and student societies representing LGBTQ+, Feminism, Religious, and International communities.
• We continually monitor participation, progression, and outcomes by protected characteristic and social inclusion metrics throughout all stages of recruitment and the PhD programme.
• We regularly review our practices and processes, welcoming feedback to ensure continuous improvement in our EDI initiatives. 

At Wessex One Health, we are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students can thrive and succeed in their research endeavours.