As part of our commitment to support in embedding insights that embed and advance diversity, inclusion and equity – we publish and regularly updated themed Resource Lists that centre different communities and support inclusive learning. These live documents include support services, allyship guidance, book or film recommendations, and more.  

Our EDI Action Plan 2025-2028 

Our strategy focuses on five priority areas:  

• Support 
• Training & Development
• Belonging & Celebration
• Outreach & Partnerships
• Sustainable Practice

Each area has practical goals. These include launching resource banks, running inclusive events, and building ways to hear directly from staff and students.  

Let us know if you have any suggestions as to what we at Leeds Conservatoire ought to also be doing to increase celebration and belonging e.g. events surrounding EDI (equality, diversity, and inclusion) you want to see, or celebration/awareness days and months that are not on our calendar: LC EDI Suggestion Box. 

If you have any questions, please email our shared inbox: equality@leedsconservatoire.ac.uk 

Why is EDI work important at Leeds Conservatoire?

EDI work is important to have in both higher education and the arts. It ensures that a broader spectrum of artists, perspectives, and cultural narratives are represented in artistic works, and fosters creativity and innovation through diverse experiences. EDI work can also identify and address biases that run through both industries (higher education and arts) and work towards ensuring that all students, regardless of their identity or background, have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. It is also important, in our commitment to equity, to educate on the realities of people’s different lived experiences within society as well as how they impact our specific industries. 

What are the protected characteristics? 

These are the nine protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010 that cannot be used as grounds for discrimination or unfair treatment: 

• Age 
• Disability 
• Gender Reassignment 
• Marriage and Civil Partnership 
• Pregnancy and Maternity 
• Race 
• Religion or Belief 
• Sex 
• Sexual Orientation

Access & Participation 
Work that ensures more people – especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds – can access and succeed in higher education. 

Allyship 
Actively supporting and standing alongside people from marginalised groups by listening, learning, and taking action against injustice. 

Amplify Network 
A Leeds Conservatoire shared space bringing students and staff together to champion inclusivity, discuss lived experiences, and celebrate our diverse community through events, resources, and projects.   

Apprentice 
A learner combining practical work with study, gaining hands-on experience while working towards a qualification. 

Belonging 
Feeling seen, valued, and included in a space – like you are part of the community and your presence matters. 

Diversity 
Understanding, recognising and celebrating our differences – considering our backgrounds, experiences, identities and perspectives in our communities. This could include things like culture, race, gender, ability, age, and socioeconomic background. 

EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) 
The work we do to make sure all people are treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone feels like they belong. 

EDI Calendar 
A year-round schedule of events that mark important cultural, historical and community celebrations. 

EDIAPC (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Access & Participation Committee) 
A group that oversees Leeds Conservatoire’s equality, diversity, inclusion, and access work, making sure we meet our legal duties and follow good practice. 

Equality 
Making sure everyone has the same rights, opportunities and fair treatment, no matter their background, identity or personal situation. 

Equity 
Recognising that people have different needs and starting points, so appropriate and unique help or support may be needed to ensure fair outcomes. 

Inclusion 
Creating a welcoming space where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to take part fully in life at the Conservatoire. 

Intersectionality 
A way of understanding that people’s identities (like race, gender, class, disability) can overlap or combine to create unique experiences, including those that affect their life experiences and access to opportunities. 

Marginalised communities 
Groups of people whose voices, needs or experiences are often overlooked or excluded in society. 

Microaggressions 
Everyday comments or actions (often unintentional) that can hurt, exclude, or stereotype people from minoritised groups. 

Neurodiversity 
Recognising that people think, learn and experience the world in different ways – such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia – and that these are natural variations of being human. 

Outreach 
Working with people and communities outside the Conservatoire to share knowledge, raise awareness and open access to education and the arts. 

Positive Action 
Steps taken to support people from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups to access opportunities – without discriminating against others. 

Protected Characteristics 
Specific parts of a person’s identity that are legally protected from discrimination in the UK; under the Equality Act 2010 the following are seen as protected characteristics,  

• age,  
• disability,  
• gender reassignment,  
• marriage and civil partnership. 
• pregnancy and maternity, 
• race,  
• religion or belief,
• sex,  
• sexual orientation,  

Reasonable Adjustments 
Changes or support made for students or staff with disabilities or health needs to remove barriers and make things fairer. 

Resource Lists 
Collections of links, books, films, guides and contacts that support learning, awareness and allyship for different communities and topics.