I am very pleased to share the Inclusive Sussex Framework 2025–35, our revised approach to culture, equality and inclusion for the decade ahead. Building on the previous Inclusive Sussex Strategy, the new framework aligns with Sussex 2035: Creating Progressive Futures – flourishing, sustainability and progress for the whole world and responds to a rapidly evolving legal and policy landscape.
The University of Sussex has, since its establishment in 1961, been committed to creating an inclusive community where people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives can come together to learn, work and thrive. The new Inclusive Sussex Framework renews and underlines that commitment.
The framework supports both ourSussex 2035 strategy and the Recovery and Rebuilding Strategic Plan, providing a clear approach to continuing to support every student and member of staff to feel valued, respected, and able to achieve their potential. Inclusive Sussex is about ensuring everyone can flourish, recognising that, despite progress, barriers and inequalities can still exist within organisations and wider society.
Guiding principles
We have built the framework around three guiding principles:
- our work will be structural and systemic, focusing on the policies, practices and environments that shape people's experiences,
- our work will be evidence-led, using data, research and engagement with our community to understand where challenges exist and how best to respond,
- and finally, our work will be universalist and relational, recognising the shared dignity of every individual while acknowledging that people may experience different forms of advantage or disadvantage.
Drivers and values
The framework reflects the values of Sussex 2035: collaboration, courage, inclusion, integrity, kindness, and openness. Inclusion requires that we embrace the diversity of our community, actively address under-representation and disadvantage, and consciously create the conditions for belonging within our community. Openness entails being open to each other, to the world, and to our city and region, welcoming and listening to people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and identities.
As well as these values, there are four distinct drivers for Inclusive Sussex:
- Ethical Relations - we endeavour to identify and challenge all forms of discrimination and structural disadvantage in how we operate as a university
- Meeting Legal and Regulatory Obligations - the University has statutory obligations as set out in the Equality Act 2010 and in evolving related legislation
- Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom - we are committed to securing and promoting academic freedom and freedom of speech, including by providing an environment for the respectful and peaceful exchange of diverse viewpoints that can be scrutinised and explored with civility
- Enhancing Business and Operational Outcomes - EDI work supports and enhances an organisation’s core activities, which for Sussex are education, research and innovation, and global and civic engagement
Workstreams
The framework organises our work across six areas: Disability; Sex and Gender; LGBTQ+; Race; Religion and Belief; and Dignity, Respect and Inclusion – alongside the Open Listening Programme, which builds our collective capacity for difficult conversations.
Each workstream is evidence-based, shaped with staff networks and student representatives, and connected to broader strategic plans – including those for People and Culture, Human Flourishing, Education and Student Life, and Infrastructure. A continued focus on each of these areas will help us address barriers, improve belonging and strengthen trust across our community.
Looking ahead
Universities play a vital role in helping people understand one another, navigate differences and contribute positively to the world around them. Through Inclusive Sussex, we are reaffirming our determination to be a university where everyone can contribute, diverse perspectives are welcomed, and opportunity is open to all.
Creating a truly inclusive community is an ongoing journey that requires commitment, openness and collaboration from all of us. I am proud of the progress we have made so far and excited about what we can achieve together in the years ahead.
As we continue our Recovery and Rebuilding journey and work towards the ambitions of Sussex 2035, Inclusive Sussex will help ensure that equality, inclusion and belonging remain central to everything we do. Thank you for being part of building a Sussex where everyone can flourish.
David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)