Reflecting on another year of progress in social inclusion
Social Inclusion Annual Report:
Reflecting on another year of progress in social inclusion
October 2026
When people talk to me about social inclusion, they are often looking for a solution to a particular issue. Sometimes they hope there is a policy, programme or initiative that will provide a straightforward answer.
The reality is that social inclusion is rarely that simple.
Creating a more inclusive university is not something that can be delivered by one team. It is shaped every day through the decisions we make, how we treat one another, whose voices we listen to, and whether people genuinely feel they belong. While I am fortunate to lead a passionate and dedicated Social Inclusion team, our role is to enable and support this work across Warwick. Social inclusion belongs to all of us.
At Warwick, we have set ourselves an ambitious vision: to remove the economic, social and cultural barriers that can prevent people from working, studying and succeeding here, and to be recognised as a leader in equality, diversity and inclusion by 2030.
That ambition matters because universities have a unique role. We bring together people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. When everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive, our whole community benefits.
Looking back on the last year, there is much that gives me optimism.
Our latest Social Inclusion Annual Report highlights progress in a number of areas. We have seen increases in the representation of women and ethnic minority colleagues in some senior roles, alongside a reduction in the gender pay gap. The proportion of disabled professors at Warwick is above the sector average, and we continue to strengthen opportunities for under-represented staff and for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We have also continued to develop our work on inclusive education, international student experience, neuroinclusion, accessible environments, research culture and support for those affected by local and global inequalities.
These are important achievements, but they are only part of the story.
"Creating a more inclusive university is not something that can be delivered by one team. It is shaped every day through the decisions we make, how we treat one another, whose voices we listen to, and whether people genuinely feel they belong."
At a time when universities are facing increasing scrutiny around culture, behaviours and inclusion, this work has never felt more important. Creating an environment where people feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is not an optional extra. It is fundamental to who we are as a university and to our ability to thrive as a community.
Social inclusion is not a destination we arrive at. It requires constant attention, curiosity and a willingness to challenge ourselves. While we have made progress, significant challenges remain. We know there is more to do to address socio-economic disadvantage, awarding gaps, ethnicity and gender pay gaps, and the underrepresentation of some groups in senior roles.
We also want to deepen our understanding of our neurodiverse community and ensure Warwick is a place where neurodivergent colleagues and students can thrive.
One area that particularly encourages me is our progress in widening participation. We now have more students from the lowest socio-economic groups studying at Warwick than ever before. Yet our aspiration goes beyond absolute numbers. As Warwick grows, we want those students to make up a larger proportion of our community, ensuring opportunity reaches those who have traditionally been excluded from it.
What gives me confidence is not just the progress captured in the data, but the commitment I see across the University. Every year I encounter colleagues and students who are investing their time, energy and creativity in making Warwick a more inclusive place. Whether through changing practice, sharing lived experience, supporting others or asking difficult questions, they are helping to shape the culture we want to create.
I am incredibly grateful for those contributions.
"Creating an environment where people feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is not an optional extra. It is fundamental to who we are as a university and to our ability to thrive as a community."
The truth is that none of us can build an inclusive university alone. Social inclusion is a shared responsibility and a collective endeavour. Each of us has the opportunity to contribute, whether by learning something new, listening more carefully to different experiences, supporting a colleague or student, or challenging barriers when we encounter them.
The progress highlighted in this year's review is worth celebrating. But perhaps more importantly, it reminds us what is possible when a community works together with purpose.
I remain optimistic about what we can achieve and look forward to continuing that journey together.
Kulbir Shergill, Director of Social Inclusion.
Read the 2026
Social Inclusion Annual Report
for more on the action we're taking
Our 2026 Social Inclusion Annual Report highlights the work that has been taking place across the University in the last year, and how it is helping us to meet our Social Inclusion Strategy objectives to increase diversity, develop an inclusive culture, and become leaders in social inclusion.
We are working with colleagues across the University to close gaps, embed inclusion into decision-making, and ensure Warwick reflects the diversity, talent, and potential of our whole community.
On our webpages you can read the report in full and access additional material, including video interviews on our governance and engagement framework.
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