Higher education institutions are navigating increasing expectations around equality, diversity and inclusion while managing competing priorities, limited resources and complex regulatory requirements. The Inclusive Institutions Framework (IIF) provides a structured approach that brings inclusion activity together into one coherent institutional strategy.
Register your interest to receive the Inclusive Institutions Framework Information Sheet.
The challenge facing institutions
Many institutions are balancing multiple inclusion-related commitments, initiatives and frameworks. While these activities are often well intentioned, they can become fragmented, resource-intensive and difficult to coordinate.
At a time of increasing financial pressure, institutions are looking for approaches that help them:
- Reduce duplication
- Improve strategic alignment
- Prioritise activity effectively
- Demonstrate meaningful impact
This is the challenge the Inclusive Institutions Framework was designed to address.
What is the Inclusive Institutions Framework?
The Inclusive Institutions Framework is a structured framework developed by Advance HE to help institutions take a more coordinated, strategic and intersectional approach to inclusion.
Developed through extensive consultation across the higher education sector, the framework supports institutions to strengthen systems, improve understanding, identify priorities and embed sustainable organisational change.
Why Participate?
A more joined-up approach
Bring EDI, access, wellbeing and strategic priorities together into a single institutional picture.
Greater efficiency
Reduce duplication and improve alignment across teams and activities.
Stronger evidence
Develop a clearer understanding of staff and student experiences to inform decision-making.
Meaningful progress
Work through a structured, externally validated process that supports sustainable change
Who is it for?
The framework is designed for higher education and research institutions globally and is particularly relevant for:
- Executive leaders
- EDI leaders and professional services teams
- Academic leaders
- Faculties, schools and directorates
Hear from our current participants
The Inclusive Institutions Framework offered a structured yet flexible model that aligned well with our ambitions. Its focus on institution-wide change, rather than isolated initiatives, was particularly compelling.
Haroon Bashir, Head of EDI, University College Birmingham
How the framework works
The Inclusive Institutions Framework is delivered through four interconnected modules that help institutions move from understanding their current position to implementing meaningful, institution-wide change.
Module 1 – Foundations
Review of institutional context, structures, approach and strategies.
Module 2 – Insights
Comprehensive evidence review across the full range of EDI characteristics.
Module 3 – Priorities
Evidence-based priority-setting aligned to institutional context and strategic goals.
Module 4 – Action
Coordinated action planning across the whole institution, eliminating duplication.
FAQ’s
Is this replacing Athena Swan or the Race Equality Charter?
No. The IIF complements and aligns with existing charters. Institutions can continue using Athena Swan or REC where these remain strategically relevant.
How much internal resource do we need?
The framework is designed to reduce duplication and streamline effort, but institutions will need coordinated engagement from senior leaders, EDI staff and relevant academic/professional teams.
Is it suitable for international institutions?
Yes. The framework explicitly supports institutions across national contexts, with flexibility for different regulatory and cultural environments.
What recognition will we receive?
Institutions receive support and recognition at key stages of each module and a structured award phase following completion.
Can departments participate?
Yes. An optional departmental-level toolkit allows faculties and schools to align their work with institutional priorities without creating additional burden.
