Gathering evidence relating to equality and diversity in the HE sector

This involves a variety of sources (including internal analysis and commissioned work) and different types of evidence (including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods).

Quantitative evidence

We carry out our own research to inform our policy work and the activity of the wider higher education (HE) sector. This research looks at the nature and extent of equality and diversity issues in the sector.

One example of this research is the HE sector equality data tables based upon Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data. These tables are available below.

Some other examples which incorporate this type of analysis are given below:

• National Student Survey: findings and trends 2006 to 2010

  This report, based upon the sixth annual National Student Survey, provides details of the satisfaction scores split by student and course characteristics. Satisfaction levels vary considerably in some categories dependent on sex, disability, age and ethnicity.

• Staff employed at HEFCE-funded HEIs: Trends and profiles 1995-6 to 2008-9

  This is the sixth in a series of HEFCE reports that provide an overview of trends in staff employed at HEFCE-funded higher education institutions (HEIs). This research shows the proportion of HE staff in relation to nationality, ethnicity, sex, age and declared disability.

• Student ethnicity: profile and progression of entrants to full-time, first-degree study

  This report compares, by ethnicity, the characteristics of the UK-domiciled entrants to full-time degree courses in 2002-3 and their progression routes through their first-degree studies.

• Ethnicity and degree attainment

  In May 2010 we published 'Student ethnicity: profile and progression of entrants'. This report compares, by ethnicity, the characteristics of the UK-domiciled entrants to full-time, first-degree courses in 2002-03 as well as their progression routes through their first-degree studies.

• Analysis of data from the pilot exercise to develop bibliometric indicators for the REF

  This report, based upon analysis from the pilot exercise to develop bibliometric indicators for the Research Excellence Framework, looks at the effect on protected characteristics of using normalised citation scores.

• Selection of staff for inclusion in Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008

  This study investigates how disability, age, sex, ethnicity and nationality are related to selection of staff for inclusion in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008.

Drawing upon HESA data and analysis the Equality Challenge Unit provide an annual statistical report on equality in higher education.

More broadly we are working with HESA to ensure that the way they collect data includes standards for the collection of equality characteristics. This work aims to ensure HEIs can submit data in this area.

Qualitative evidence

We also commission research to review the effectiveness of particular policies, or to offer guidance and share good practice with the sector.

Subject areas often relate to equality and diversity in the HE sector.

Examples of commissioned research are:

• The higher education workforce framework 2010

  This report considers major issues and challenges for the workforce of English HE. The context for equality and diversity is examined in Section 6 (Maintaining a high quality workforce) together with equality and diversity challenges for the future and institutional responses. The gender pay gap is also discussed in Section 4 (HE pay and pensions).

• Islamic Studies provision in the UK

  This report provides an analysis of data on the provision of teaching in Islamic studies at UK HEIs. The report provides data to support the creation of the UK Islamic Studies Network. It will help staff identify priority subject areas for network activity, and will feed into the development of resources for sharing good practice.

• Evaluation of provision and support for disabled students in HE 2009

  This report presents the findings of research commissioned to establish existing levels of support for disabled students in the sector and how these vary across institutions, and to identify good practice.

• Improving equality and diversity for research staff

  We commissioned Vitae, the organisation for development of researchers, to lead a project to improve equality and diversity for research staff within the HE sector.

• Minority groups and internships

  This report on the early impact and outcomes of graduate and undergraduate internship schemes provides some information on participation in internships by black and minority ethnic students and other minority groups.

• Using data to improve the student experience – Equality Challenge Unit

  We have funded four disability projects, the first of which has concluded and the report has been published.

• Outcomes of HEFCE review of its policy as it relates to disabled students (December 2009/49)

  This document presents the key outcomes of our review of our policy as it relates to disabled students. It provides an overview of the progress the sector has made since our guidance was published in 1999 and areas for development.

• Meeting the Equality Act 2010: learning from disability equality schemes in higher education in England

  We funded the Equality Challenge Unit to produce this report based on research into how HEIs in England had been using their disability equality schemes as vehicles for change, and to establish what more can be learned from approaches which successfully meet the duties within equality law.

A full list of HEFCE's publications and research and evaluation reports are available.

Through the Leadership, Governance and Management (LGM) Fund, we have funded a series of equality and diversity projects in the HE sector.

Information gaps

We have also identified a number of gaps in our base of evidence.

Page last updated 12 February 2013