IDS is committed to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, in our work and in all our activities.
This is fundamental to our future success and underpins our ability to continue to work towards a more equitable and sustainable world.
In our 2020-2025 Strategy, one of our five priorities is to “Create a sustainable, resilient and equitable institution”. Equality is a key part of this:
We will work to eliminate discrimination by implementing and embedding our equality, diversity and inclusion action plan. We will develop and deliver a reward, pay and benefits system that reflects our values and that enables us to deliver our strategic aims. We will continually develop our infrastructure, buildings and services to ensure that these are inclusive and accessible to all.
Our values
We strive to be respectful, inclusive, resourceful and excellent.
- IDS is respectful of all those who work within and with the Institute and, by acting with integrity towards others, fosters relationships built on trust.
- IDS promotes and enables a working culture that is inclusive of diverse voices and alternative perspectives.
- IDS is resourceful in its institutional practices and in working with those whose skills and knowledge complement, enhance and contribute to IDS’ ability to deliver its mission.
- IDS strives to be excellent across all of its working practices, how it listens and learns, and in promoting the wellbeing of those who work within and with IDS.
Equity and Inclusion review
In May 2023 IDS published an Equity and Inclusion review, which was commissioned by its Board and written by Nous Group.
Read the Equity and Inclusion review
IDS consulted with staff and the Board to develop an action plan which will help the institute respond to the findings of the review.
Our Gender Equity Plan Statement highlights our unwavering dedication to promoting gender equality as a key component of our commitment to all forms of equality.
Deepak Nayyar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said:
“We welcome the findings of the independent report we commissioned which recommends that IDS needs to take further action to ensure it is truly living its values. Whilst we are pleased that the majority of staff experience IDS as an inclusive place to work, it is clear that more needs to be done to embed equality, diversity and inclusion within the institute.
“This is vital to the future success of the institute which exists to fight for a more equitable and sustainable world, where people can live free from injustice. It is the right thing to do and in line with our values. The Board has taken immediate steps to appoint a group of Trustees to oversee the institute’s response to the review. We will ensure the response is robust, and zero tolerance for inequitable and discriminatory behaviours.”
Melissa Leach, Director, Institute of Development Studies, said:
“This report sets out clearly some challenging areas where IDS can and must do better. As the world’s leading research and learning organisation in the field of development studies, diversity and inclusion are central to our mission.
“We want to provide a working environment where all staff are treated fairly, and where our values of respectfulness, inclusivity, excellence and resourcefulness are front and centre. The Institute’s senior leadership is working very closely with the Board of Trustees and staff to respond to the audit in an inclusive manner. We have already consulted with staff and worked with the Equalities Champions Group to create an action plan which we are confident will ensure a positive, equitable working environment for all of our staff.”
In February 2023 the IDS Board appointed a group of Trustees to oversee the organisation’s response to the review, who are as follows:
- Awo Ablo, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Partnerships, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
- Natasha Houseman, Interim Chief Operating Officer, EIT Climate-KIC
- Kim Frost, Former University Secretary and Director of Human Resources
- Anuradha Joshi, IDS Research Fellow (staff Trustee)
- Mustafa Roberts, IDS Contracts and Compliance Manager (staff Trustee)
Related links
- Equality, diversity and inclusion policy
- Anti-racism statement
- Building accessibility
- Equality, diversity and inclusion at the University of Sussex, where IDS is based
