Students smiling

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are inclusive and collaborative, with equality,

We are committed to being a respectful, collaborative and supportive community, with equality, diversity and inclusion informing all we do. We recognising diversity of thought and talent among our students, staff and alumni, and the value this brings to our University.

From our curriculum through to University-wide projects to prevent discrimination, and our commitment to wellbeing, we learn from our experiences and are open to change to create a welcoming and inspiring environment where our students and staff feel they belong and where they thrive.

A key principle of our Strategy to 2031, equality, diversity and inclusion informs our research, teaching and engagement and is an important part of all three of our Themes. It’s also at the heart of our approach to health and wellbeing.

An inclusive university

An inclusive university

public

167 student nationalities and 74 staff nationalities on our London campus

person

11th

out of UK universities for boosting students’ social mobility from IFS, Sutton Trust and DfE 2021

Top 100

Leading LGBTQ+ inclusive employers in Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2023

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Staff Networks

We are proud of our diverse community

At Middlesex we are committed to building a healthy institution where we all behave responsibly and respectfully towards each other and other cultures. We want to be an institution where our people feel valued and are supported to achieve their aspirations.

The University has a number of Networks that are proactive and successful in instigating and developing new ideas, raising awareness across different issues and experiences, and holding supportive and informative events. They are also instrumental in influencing policy through the University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

The main purpose of these Networks is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for staff to learn about each other in an inclusive and respectful way, and to provide support to the University’s equalities plans.

The University has the following networks available for staff to join. If you are interested in being part of any of the Networks, please email inclusion@mdx.ac.uk.

MDX-ARN exists to ensure that black and global majority lives, careers and experiences truly matter at Middlesex University and strives to create long lasting cultural change to enable equity for all, respect and a sense of belonging.

For further information, please email mdxarn@mdx.ac.uk.

The Parents’ and Carers’ Network (PCN) gives parents and carers the opportunity to share experiences, tips and to offer support. Talking to people who are in a similar situation is often the most powerful form of support, PCN aim to provide an informal and safe space for staff to socialise and talk about the various challenges they face as parents and carers.

For further information, please email families@mdx.ac.uk.

The Disability Network will provide support, share ideas and contribute to the development of relevant practices and projects for the benefit of members of the wider MDX community, primarily, those with a disability, health condition or learning difference. Any member of staff is welcome to join the network. It does not matter if they identify with a disability, are an ally or friend, or however they self-describe.

For further information, please email disabilitynw@mdx.ac.uk.

The Gender Network is a space that works intersectionally and provides a feminist platform for people to articulate their own experiences and find common ground. Membership is aimed at staff who identify as women, trans and/or gender non-conforming and/or who are invested in supporting and amplifying the voices of women, trans and gender non-conforming people at Middlesex.

For further information, please email gendernet@mdx.ac.uk.

MDX IFN aims to showcase and support the diversity of religious belief within the staff and student community at Middlesex University. The Network aims to have representation from all religions and beliefs within our membership.

For further information, please email mdxinterfaith@mdx.ac.uk.

The LGBT+ Network aims to promote the interests of LGBT+ staff employed at the University together with LGBT+ students.

For further information, email lgbt@mdx.ac.uk.

Gender Equality and Athena Swan

Working towards gender equality in higher education

Our plans for ensuring and promoting gender equality are embedded within a range of intersectional initiatives, reports and action plans in line with our mainstreamed approach to equality, diversity and inclusion. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021, which assess universities against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has also recognised our commitment, ranking us #12 out of 776 institutions for SDG5 Gender Equality.

About Athena Swan

The Athena Swan Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) in the higher education sector, spanning both teaching and research. In 2015, the Charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in non-STEMM subjects, and now includes staff in professional and support roles.

Athena Swan is managed by AdvanceHE. More information about Athena Swan can be found on the AdvanceHE website.

Bronze Award

We have been awarded a highly-esteemed Bronze Award by the Athena Swan Charter, which recognises that the University has a solid foundation for eliminating gender bias and developing an inclusive culture that values all staff.

The Athena Swan internal Self-Assessment Team (SAT) undertook a rigorous self-assessment of data to assess gender equality across Middlesex's staff community. From this insight, the team developed a set of short, medium and longer term actions to help drive forward gender equality and representation across the University, including gender non-conforming individuals.

These actions include:

  • Reviewing the promotion and progression process
  • Further embedding the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in new staff inductions and at local level across teams
  • Enhancing knowledge of the University’s parental leave policies and developing a more robust support mechanism for staff needing to access it
  • Embracing and embedding more engaging and affirmative communications in our approaches to recruitment to encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Self-Assessment Team

The Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team (SAT) currently meets quarterly. The Athena Swan SAT is working together to identify and implement necessary actions to improve gender equality at Middlesex, using data and research.

The main focus of the Athena Swan SAT is to:

  • Reflect on a range of quantitative and qualitative data to identify both challenges and opportunities with regards to gender equality
  • Evaluate relevant policies, practices and activities
  • Respond to the findings of the above, and establish gender equality-based priority areas with appropriate aspirations and targets
  • Develop an evidence-based, comprehensive action plan to underpin advancement against the agreed priorities over the whole award period (five years), after which time the University will apply to renew or upgrade our award
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of actions undertaken on an ongoing basis, to ensure actions are delivering desired impact against objectives, and evolve the action plan in response to evaluation.

The Athena Swan SAT has representation from a breadth of career stages and staff types, including professional and support staff, research and academic staff, and students. Membership of the Athena Swan SAT is gender-balanced, taking account of intersectionality in its make-up so far as is practicable, and is representative of the diversity inherent within the University.

Middlesex University staff can meet the Athena Swan SAT on the staff intranet (please note, this page is for University staff only and requires a login).

Our approach to Athena Swan SAT activities

Middlesex University is committed to developing a distinctive, inclusive and sustainable research culture which fosters the skills, methods and ethos of practice-oriented, interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange.

Our approach to Athena Swan follows four strands:

  • Recruitment, promotion, picture of institution, supporting trans people and intersectionality
  • Parental leave, care and flexible working
  • Training, outreach, staff development, career progression
  • Senior level, governance, policy.

Find out more

Our Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is predominantly set out in our Athena Swan submissions. We align with the Horizon Europe Gender Equality Plan requirements as follows.

Mandatory requirements for a GEP

  • Be a public document

The GEP should be a formal document signed by the top management and disseminated within the institution. It should demonstrate a commitment to gender equality, set clear goals and detailed actions and measures to achieve them.

Our Athena Swan application and action plan are available online and are fully endorsed by our Vice-Chancellor. The plan demonstrates a commitment to gender equality and sets out clear goals, which include specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound actions.

  • Have dedicated resources

Resources for the design, implementation, and monitoring of GEPs may include funding for specific positions such as Equality Officers or Gender Equality Teams as well as earmarked working time for academic, management and administrative staff.

The University has an Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team and Gender Equality Steering Group embedded within the structure of the University, reporting to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. Staff are given the time to undertake roles within the Athena Swan SAT.

  • Include arrangements for data collection and monitoring

GEPs must be evidence-based and founded on sex or gender-disaggregated baseline data collected across all staff categories. This data should inform the GEP’s objectives and targets, indicators, and ongoing evaluation of progress.

The Athena Swan submission contains comprehensive data on our gender composition. An annual report is provided to the EDI Committee giving gender-disaggregated baseline data. This data is then used by the EDI Committee to identify issues and commit to appropriate actions over the next five years.

  • Be supported by training and capacity-building

Actions may include developing gender competence and tackling unconscious gender bias among staff, leaders and decision-makers, establishing working groups dedicated to specific topics, and raising awareness through workshops and communication activities.

The University has an EDI Committee and Gender Equality Steering Group supported by a Gender Network; these are all involved in our gender equality work. The EDI team maintain EDI webpages for all staff, toolkits, and guidance, which are all available online (only accessible to Middlesex University staff).

In addition to these mandatory process-related requirements, the following five thematic areas are recommended for content:

  • Work-life balance and organisational culture – this is covered in the Athena Swan Application and Action Plan under 'actions' in sections 3,4,8,10,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,32,33,34
  • Gender balance in leadership and decision-making – This is covered in the Athena Swan Action Plan under actions in sections 1,2,3,5,9,17,18,19,30,31,32
  • Gender equality in recruitment and career progression – This is covered in the Athena Swan Action Plan under actions in sections 5,6,7,9,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20
  • Integration of the gender dimension into research and teaching content – This is covered in the Athena Swan Application under actions in sections 3,7,30 and 'Further info' section and the University’s Inclusive Curriculum Project
  • Measures against gender-based violence including sexual harassment – This is covered by 'Changing the Culture initiative' and 'Report It To Stop It’ projects run by Student Affairs, and the Athena Swan application under action 31.1. The University also has an anonymous Report and Support tool for staff.

If you would like further information, please contact the EDI Team at inclusion@mdx.ac.uk

Read our application for the Athena Swan Bronze Award

Middlesex University - Addressing the Gender Pay Gap

Middlesex aims to advance Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and we have an ambitious gender action plan underpinning this over the next few years. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, which assess universities against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has also recognised our commitment, ranking us in the top 200 out of 1,361 institutions from 114 countries or regions for SDG5 Gender Equality.

Examples of work undertaken included:

  • Recognising an imbalance in representation, we have successfully embedded and launched a new initiative which positions positive action statements across all job posts and on the careers section of our website, to encourage applications from more female and gender non-conforming individuals in masculinised areas. Extending the initiative to the wider community of minority groups, the statements also positively affirm our commitment to actively seeking Black, Asian and minority ethnic applicants
  • We are working to embed visibility and understanding of EDI across the induction process and make completion of EDI training a condition of probation, as well as embedding more training and development on other protected characteristics
  • The Inclusion and Wellbeing team are working with Organisation and Staff Development team in Human Resources Services (HRS) to ensure that EDI is factored into all future staff engagement surveys
  • We send welcome communications to new starters showcasing the support available and opportunities to engage across our range of Staff Diversity Networks and the wider complement of EDI focused support and initiatives at Middlesex, as well as signposting to relevant key information
  • We have revised the criteria for promotion and progression to better recognise the contributions that staff make to the University, and actively monitor progression and promotion by characteristics
  • To help colleagues self-identify in ways which feel representative of who they are, we have now developed the ability in our HR Systems to allow individuals, should they so wish, to self-declare their preferred pronouns. We continue to work towards being able to also update pronouns across the central address book and on Microsoft Teams, which, unfortunately, due to technical restraints, is not currently possible
  • Staff can also self-declare disability, faith, preferred gender description, and sexual orientation
  • We have embedded and published our Gender Equality Plan, which sits alongside our Athena Swan submission and plan and helps support applications from research and knowledge exchange colleagues when applying for Horizon Europe funding
  • Supporting staff through external women-only leadership development programmes, including the Aurora Women’s Leadership Programme, which has been active since 2013
  • We have been awarded the Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze Award and work has begun to implement the actions deriving from the REC Action Plan with an intersectional lens mapped with our Gender Equality Plan
  • We are working hard to achieve the objective of addressing the continued masculinised/feminised nature of some academic areas to ensure greater gender balance
  • In celebration of International Women's Day (IWD), colleagues were invited to a variety of internal events and externally hosted events and activities including a Global Women’s Breakfast event to celebrate women in science to raise the profile of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM), demonstrating that women role models can succeed in STEMM careers, and at Middlesex University
  • Publishing a Carer’s Policy for staff
  • We have successfully implemented a comprehensive series of menopause training sessions designed to provide robust support for our staff, ensuring they are well-equipped with valuable insights and knowledge to navigate and address the challenges associated with menopause in the workplace
  • We have run awareness campaigns for menopause and anti-harassment
  • We have reviewed our professorial pay model to ensure equity of contribution vs pay and are working towards a professorial promotions model for professors in band.

As part of this work, the University is looking to further address in the gender pay gap in 2024/25 through a number of initiatives and firmly believes that working on realistic, deliverable measures will help us to build stronger relationships internally and continue to make the University attractive to the best talent. We will use our Bronze Award Athena Swan Charter Action Plan to help us address any gender equality issues including:

  • Build on current performance (9.6%) against the sector (14.2%) in respect of our mean Gender Pay Gap
  • Implement a new career pathway for education and developing positive action initiatives for career development so that we address any barriers for women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic, and disabled academics
  • Following our review of academic promotions; look at professional service staff routes for progression
  • Further work to embed equality impact assessments
  • Launch our new Parental Leave Policies
  • Introduce Dignity at Work Champions
  • Survey our staff of their experiences in support of our Athena Swan Charter renewal and Silver Application for 2026.

Our data

View metrics for current and previous years in the accordions below.

Middlesex University All Staff Gender Pay Gap Reporting – 31 March 2024

Published pay Gap for Middlesex University (excluding our wholly owned subsidiary MU Services Ltd as there are fewer than 250 employees).

The metrics are based on hourly earnings as of 31 March 2024, on a staff base of 2,081 (Core and hourly paid excluding MU Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary which has fewer than 250 staff and is exempt from mandatory reporting) (58% Female and 42% Male).

Hourly rate

The Mean and Median gender pay gap based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay:

  Mean gender pay gap Median gender pay gap Total employees
Men

£26.00

£26.03

877

Women

£23.50

£22.88

1,204

Gap %

9.6%

12.1%

2,081 employees

Bonus pay

The Mean and Median bonus gender pay gap and the proportion of male and female employees receiving a bonus payment:

  Mean gender bonus gap Median gender bonus gap Proportion receiving bonus
Men

 

 

0.1%

Women

 

 

0.1%

Gap

9.3%

19.5%

 

Quartile pay band

The proportion of male and female employees in each hourly rate quartile pay band:

Pay band Number of men Percentage of men Number of women Percentage of women
Quartile 1

180

34.6%

340

65.4%

Quartile 2

194

37.2%

327

62.8%

Quartile 3

234

45%

286

55%

Quartile 4

269

51.7%

251

48.3%

The above data has been reported to the University’s UET group and to its Board of Governors, it will also be reported on the Government’s Gender pay website.

Gender Pay Gap reporting will be monitored and reviewed by the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, whose membership consists of the six Diversity Networks, including the Gender Network. This will enable greater transparency about gender pay differences between men and women both within the University and externally. It also fits within our Equality and Diversity agenda, which is a key objective within University Strategy.

Middlesex University All Staff Gender Pay Gap Reporting – 31 March 2023

Published pay Gap for Middlesex University (excluding our wholly owned subsidiary MU Services Ltd as there are fewer than 250 employees).

The metrics are based on hourly earnings as of 31 March 2023, on a staff base of 2,372 (Core and hourly paid excluding MU Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary which has fewer than 250 staff and is exempt from mandatory reporting) (58% Female and 42% Male).

Hourly rate

The Mean and Median gender pay gap based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay:

  Mean gender pay gap Median gender pay gap Total employees
Men

£24.50

£23.99

1,003

Women

£22.40

£22.13

1,369

Gap %

8.6%

7.8%

2,372 employees

Bonus pay

The Mean and Median bonus gender pay gap and the proportion of male and female employees receiving a bonus payment:

  Mean gender bonus gap Median gender bonus gap Proportion receiving bonus
Men

4.2%

0.0%

0.1%

Women    

0.1%

Quartile pay band

The proportion of male and female employees in each hourly rate quartile pay band:

Pay band Number of men Percentage of men Number of women Percentage of women
Quartile 1

224

37.8%

369

62.2%

Quartile 2

214

36.1%

379

63.9%

Quartile 3

252

42.6%

340

57.4%

Quartile 4

313

52.7%

281

47.3%

The above data has been reported to the University’s UET group and to its Board of Governors, it will also be reported on the Government’s Gender pay website.

Gender Pay Gap reporting will be monitored and reviewed by the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, whose membership consists of the 6 Diversity Networks, including the Gender Network. This will enable greater transparency about gender pay differences between men and women both within the University and externally. It also fits within our Equality and Diversity agenda, which is a key objective within University Strategy.

Middlesex University All Staff Gender Pay Gap Reporting – 31 March 2022

Published pay Gap for Middlesex University (excluding our wholly owned subsidiary MU Services Ltd as there are fewer than 250 employees).

The metrics are based on hourly earnings as of 31 March 2022, on a staff base of 2,498 (Core and hourly paid excluding MU Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary which has fewer than 250 staff and is exempt from mandatory reporting) (58.7% Female and 41.3% Male)

Hourly rate

The Mean and Median gender pay gap based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay:

  Mean gender pay gap Median gender pay gap Total employees
Men

£23.80

£22.75

1,031

Women

£21.10

£20.93

1,467

Gap %

11.30%

8.00%

2,498 employees

Bonus pay

The Mean and Median bonus gender pay gap and the proportion of male and female employees receiving a bonus payment:

  Mean gender bonus gap Median gender bonus gap Proportion receiving bonus
Men

29.50%

-11.10%

0.10%

Women    

0.10%

Quartile pay band

The proportion of male and female employees in each hourly rate quartile pay band:

Pay band Number of men Percentage of men Number of women Percentage of women
Quarter 1

220

35.30%

404

64.70%

Quarter 2

223

35.70%

401

64.30%

Quarter 3

266

42.60%

359

57.40%

Quarter 4

322

51.50%

303

48.50%

The above data has been reported to the University’s UET group and to its Board of Governors, it will also be reported on the Government’s Gender pay website.

Gender Pay Gap reporting will be monitored and reviewed by the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, whose membership consists of the 6 Diversity Networks, including the Gender Network. This will enable greater transparency about gender pay differences between men and women both within the University and externally. It also fits within our Equality and Diversity agenda, which is a key objective within University Strategy.

Middlesex University All Staff Gender Pay Gap Reporting – March 2021

The Metrics are based on hourly earnings as of 31 March 2021, on a staff base of 2,453 staff (core and hourly paid) (58.2% female and 41.8% male).

Hourly rate

The Mean and Median gender pay gap based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay i.e. full earnings distribution:

  Mean gender pay gap Median gender pay gap Total
Men

£23.59

£22.46

1,026

Women

£21.00

£20.62

1,427

Gap %

10.98%

8.19%

2,453 employees

Bonus pay

The Mean and Median bonus gender pay gap and the proportion of male and female employees receiving a bonus payment:

  Mean gender bonus gap Median gender bonus gap Proportion receiving bonus
Men

34.93%

-17.00%

0.58%

Women    

0.28%

Quartile pay band

The proportion of male and female employees in each hourly rate quartile pay band:

Pay band Number of men Percentage of men Number of women Percentage of women
Quarter 1

201

32.79%

412

67.21%

Quarter 2

231

37.62%

383

62.38%

Quarter 3

263

42.90%

350

57.10%

Quarter 4

331

54.00%

282

46.00%

The above data has been reported to the University’s UET group and to its Board of Governors, it will also be reported on the Government’s Gender pay website.

Gender Pay Gap reporting will be monitored and reviewed by the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, whose membership consists of the 6 Diversity Networks, including the Gender Network. This will enable greater transparency about gender pay differences between men and women both within the University and externally. It also fits within our Equality and Diversity agenda, which is a key objective within University Strategy.

Middlesex University All Staff Gender Pay Gap Reporting – March 2020

The Metrics are based on hourly earnings as of 31 March 2020, on a staff base of 2,574 staff (core and hourly paid) (57.4% female and 42.6% male).

Hourly rate

Mean and median gender pay gap based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay i.e. full earnings distribution:

  Mean gender pay gap

Median gender pay gap

Total
Men

£23.48

£22.41

1,063

Women

£21.07

£20.62

1,397

Gap %

10.26%

7.99%

2,460 employees

Bonus pay

Mean and median bonus gender pay gap and the proportion of males and females receiving a bonus payment:

  Mean gender bonus gap Median gender bonus gap Proportion receiving bonus
Men

4.13%

5.32%

5.64%

Women     5.15%

Quartile pay band

The proportion of male and female employees in each hourly rate quartile pay band:

Pay band Number of men Percentage of men Number of women Percentage of women
Quarter 1

222

36.10%

393

63.90%

Quarter 2

243

39.51%

372

60.49%

Quarter 3

273

44.39%

342

55.61%

Quarter 4

325

528.85%

290

47.15%

The above data has been reported to the University’s VCE group and to its Board of Governors, it will also be reported on the Government’s Gender pay website.

Gender Pay Gap reporting will be monitored and reviewed by the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, whose membership consists of the four equality for groups, including gender. This will enable greater transparency about gender pay differences between men and women both within the University and externally. It also fits within our Equality and Diversity agenda, which is a key objective within the People and Culture Enabling Plan.

Middlesex University All Staff Gender Pay Gap Reporting – March 2019

The Metrics are based on hourly earnings as of 31 March 2019, on a staff base of 2,574 staff (core and hourly paid) (57.4% female and 42.6% male).

Hourly rate

Mean and median gender pay gap based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay i.e. full earnings distribution:

  Mean gender pay gap Median gender pay gap Total
Men £22.94 £21.41 1,096
Women £20.72 £19.71 1,478
Gap % 9.68% 7.94% 2574 employees

Bonus pay

Mean and median bonus gender pay gap and the proportion of males and females receiving a bonus payment:

  Mean gender bonus gap Median gender bonus gap Proportion receiving bonus
Men -12.74% 5.01% 8.58%

Women

    7.79%

Quartile pay band

The proportion of male and female employees in each hourly rate quartile pay band, showing the spread of male and female earners across the University:

Pay band

Number of men

Percentage of men Number of women Percentage of women

Quarter 1

265

41.21%

378

58.79%

Quarter 2

210

32.61%

434

67.39%

Quarter 3

277

43.01%

367

56.99%

Quarter 4

344

53.50%

299

46.50%

The above data has been reported to the University’s VCE group and to its Board of Governors, it will also be reported on the Government’s Gender pay website.

Gender Pay Gap reporting will be monitored and reviewed by the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, whose membership consists of the four equality fora groups, including gender. This will enable greater transparency about gender pay differences between men and women both within the University and externally. It also fits within our Equality and Diversity agenda, which is a key objective within the People and Culture Enabling Plan.

Middlesex University All Staff Gender Pay Gap Reporting – March 2018

The Metrics are based on hourly earnings as of 31 March 2018, on a staff base of 2,681 staff (core and hourly paid) (56.3% female and 43.7% male).

Hourly rate

Mean and median gender pay gap based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay i.e. full earnings distribution:

  Mean gender pay gap Median gender pay gap Total
Men

£21.70

£20.99

1,171

Women

£19.77

£19.71

1,510

Gap %

8.89%

6.10%

 

Bonus pay

Mean and median bonus gender pay gap and the proportion of males and females receiving a bonus payment:

  Mean gender bonus gap Median gender bonus gap Proportion receiving bonus
Men

-4.91%

3.57%

5.55%

Women     7.02%

Quartile pay band

The proportion of male and female employees in each hourly rate quartile pay band, showing the spread of male and female earners across the University:

Pay band Number of men Percentage of men Number of women Percentage of women
Quarter 1

282

42.03%

389

57.97%

Quarter 2

244

36.42%

426

63.58%

Quarter 3

291

43.43%

379

56.57%

Quarter 4

354

52.84%

316

47.16%

The above data has been reported to the University’s VCE group and to its Board of Governors, it will also be reported on the Government’s Gender pay website.

Gender Pay Gap reporting will be monitored and reviewed by the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, whose membership consists of the four equality for groups, including gender. This will enable greater transparency about gender pay differences between men and women both within the University and externally. It also fits within our Equality and Diversity agenda, which is a key objective within the People and Culture Enabling Plan.

Middlesex University All Staff Gender Pay Gap Reporting – March 2017

The Metrics are based on hourly earnings as of 31 March 2017, on a staff base of 2,462 staff (core and hourly paid) (56% female and 44 % male).

Hourly rate

Mean and median based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay i.e. full earnings distribution:

Gender Mean gender pay gap Median gender pay gap Total
Men

£22.38

£21.57

1,092

Women

£20.31

£19.96

1,370

Gap %

9.25%

7.46%



Bonus pay

Mean and median bonus gender pay gap and the proportion of males and females receiving a bonus payment:

Gender Mean gender bonus gap Median gender bonus gap Proportion receiving bonus
Men

7.04%

4.66%

9.52%

Women     10.07%

Quartile pay band

The proportion of male and female employees in each quartile pay band, showing the spread of male and female earners across the University:

Pay band Number of men Percentage of men Number of women Percentage of women
Quarter 1 

239

38.86%

376

61.14%

Quarter 2

238

38.64%

378

61.36%

Quarter 3

283

46.02%

332

53.98%

Quarter 4

332

53.90%

284

46.10%

The above data has been reported to the University’s VCE group and to its Board of Governors, it will also be reported on the Government’s Gender pay website.

Gender Pay Gap reporting will be monitored and reviewed by the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, whose membership consists of the four equality fora groups, including gender. This will enable greater transparency about gender pay differences between men and women both within the University and externally. It also fits within our Equality and Diversity agenda, which is a key objective within the People and Culture Enabling Plan.

As part of our commitment to the Athena Swan Action Plan, we are working hard to achieve the objective of addressing the continued masculinised/feminised nature of some academic areas to ensure greater gender balance. In 2022/23, we raised – both internally and externally – the profile of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) at the University, demonstrating that women role models can succeed in STEMM careers, and at Middlesex University.

In celebration of International Women's Day (IWD) and throughout March 2023, we invited colleagues to get involved in a variety of internal events and externally hosted events and activities.

Our Global Women's Breakfast event celebrated women in science and showcased their great research and personal experiences in the field. Watch the video below, which was filmed by a group of Middlesex University Film students, to find out more.

Global Women's Breakfast - celebrating women in science video thumbnail

Global Women's Breakfast - celebrating women in science

LGBTQIA+

We value all our staff and students equally, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and transgender status.

Welcome to our LGBTQIA+ community

Coming to university or starting a new job is an exciting and liberating time, but you may be feeling anxious about your identity. You may not be ‘out’ to your peers, you may not be ready, or you may not have the support of your family. Perhaps you are ‘out and proud’! Either way, here at Middlesex we accept you just as you are.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and staff, however you identify. We understand that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) students may face additional challenges during their time at University. And we are here to help.

We have received a Gold Award from Stonewall – the world’s second-largest LGBTQ+ charity – for our commitment to inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people in the workplace in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2023. We also ranked 58th (out of 268 institutions) in this Index, and came 8th out of the 30 higher education institutions that took part this year.

Ant Babajee, a CRM Manager and the former co-chair of the LGBT+ Network at the University, has been named a Change Maker of the Year in the 2023 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

The Change Maker of the Year recognition goes to individuals who are doing inspiring work within their institutions and beyond to ensure there are inclusive working environments and a welcoming community for us all.

Inspiring HIV activist Ant Photo

 

 

We have an active LGBTQ+ Network which is open to all LGBTQ+ students. Visit our LGBTQ+ network page (MDXSU).

The group provides a space for meeting other people, sharing experiences and creating change on campus. We run events, parties and meetings for both members and allies from coffee mornings and quiz nights to women-only spaces for self-defining women and non-binary people to chat informally.

Since starting out we have built partnerships with the staff LGBTQ+ group and collaborated on several events, including a film screening of the film Pride. We have run events from karaoke, prom, movies, gaymes nights as well as tea/coffee meetings and trips around London! We march with MDXSU and Middlesex University at Pride in London, Middlesex Pride, Barnet Pride, Trans Pride and UK Black Pride.

In addition to group campaigns and social activities, we will support you on your personal journey.

Trans and non-binary students

We recognise that living as or coming out as trans or non-binary may be a difficult and complex time for students, and we will support you with helpful guidance to ease any challenges and provide support as appropriate. Please find out more about our support by viewing our Student Trans Policy and Guidance.

Gender neutral facilities

We believe trans and non-binary people have the right to use facilities and changing rooms corresponding to their gender identity without fear of harassment. However, we recognise that some trans and non-binary people (and others) feel more comfortable using gender-neutral toilets. Gender-neutral toilets can be found on campus in the following buildings: College House, The Barn, The Grove, and StoneX Stadium West Stand buildings.

The University is committed to increasing the number of gender-neutral facilities on campus and including these facilities in the plans for new building developments.

Be an ally

You can help support the community while you are at university.

An ally is a straight or cisgender person who provides support and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community. 

You can keep up to date by following us on X and following us on Instagram. You can also read our blog on Medium.

If you would like to find out more about email our LGBT+ Network.

Disability Confident

We encourage our students and staff to disclose any disabilities or long-term health conditions, to ensure they receive the support they need to fulfil their potential and thrive in their studies and in the workplace. We’re a member of Business Disability Forum and an accredited Disability Confident Leader (Level 3) organisation.

Find out more

Race Equality

We're committed to making real, lasting change

Middlesex University prioritises equity, inclusivity and fairness in all our activities and we expect that out people demonstrate this through our everyday behaviours. We firmly believe that everything we achieve is made possible through the talents, skills, insights and experiences of our diverse community.

We are a member of Advance HE's Race Equality Charter (REC) and have been awarded a REC Bronze Award, which demonstrate our commitment to improving the representation, progression and success of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students within higher education.

Our Bronze Award indicates that Middlesex University is on the right path to developing a more inclusive culture and progressing towards creating even greater opportunities for everyone in our community of staff and students, regardless of our background or experience.

Guiding principles

REC members are committed to following these five guiding principles:

  1. Racial inequalities are a significant issue within higher education. Racial inequalities are not necessarily overt, isolated incidents. Racism is an everyday facet of UK society and racial inequalities manifest themselves in everyday situations, processes and behaviours
  2. UK higher education cannot reach its full potential unless it can benefit from the talents of the whole population and until individuals from all ethnic backgrounds can benefit equally from the opportunities it affords
  3. In developing solutions to racial inequalities, it is important that they are aimed at achieving long-term institutional culture change, avoiding a deficit model where solutions are aimed at changing the individual
  4. Black and minority ethnic staff and students are not a homogenous group. People from different ethnic backgrounds have different experiences of and outcomes from/within higher education, and that complexity needs to be considered in analysing data and developing actions
  5. All individuals have multiple identities, and the intersection of those identities should be considered wherever possible.

Bronze Institution Award application

The University joined Advance HE's Race Equality Charter (REC) in 2020 and received the REC Bronze Award in October 2023. 

The REC helps member institutions in their work to identify and address the barriers facing racially minoritised staff and students, while also providing a framework for action and improvement. There are currently 99 REC members in the higher education sec­tor and 44 of them, including Middlesex University, hold awards, which demonstrates the significance of this great achievement.

As a University, we have an important part to play in helping to make the world a more inclusive place for our students, colleagues and our global community. This Bronze Award indi­cates that we are on the right path to developing a more inclusive culture and progressing towards creating even greater opportunities for us all, regardless of our background or experi­ence. Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is our central focus and this will continue.

Read our Race Equality Action Plan (PDF)

Read our Race Equality Charter Application (PDF)

Self-Assessment Team (SAT)

The main focus of the SAT is to:

  1. Reflect on a range of quantitative and qualitative data to identify both challenges and opportunities with regards to race equality;
  2. Evaluate relevant policies, practices and activities;
  3. Respond to the findings of the above and establishing race equality-based priority areas and appropriate aspirations and targets;
  4. Develop an evidence-based, comprehensive action plan to underpin advancement against the agreed priorities over the whole award period (four years), after which time the University will apply to renew or upgrade their award;
  5. Evaluate the effectiveness of actions undertaken on an ongoing basis, to ensure actions are delivering desired impact against objectives, and evolving the action plan in response to evaluation;
  6. Aim to gather data of our contractors and their experiences of the university and build this into our narrative.

More information

Race and ethnicity terminology

Race Equality Charter: self-assessment teams

Race Equality Charter on the Advance HE website

AdvanceHE logo

 

In Middlesex University, in the region of 29% of staff come from minority ethnic backgrounds, around 16% of professors and senior staff are from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Asking the questions that leaders need to hear themselves answering

Although there are members of the Board of Governors from minority ethnic backgrounds, the University Executive is not ethnically diverse. We aspire to increasing diversity and inclusion at all levels in the University and a priority is to ensure that the University Executive are listening, learning and acting. Reverse mentoring is part of this process. 

Mentoring is a process where a more experienced person supports the learning of a less experienced person. It is not a teaching or instructional relationship, but rather is one in which the mentor helps the mentee reflect on their ideas, experiences and issues at work, and supports them in finding a pathway to progress. The mentoring relationship relies on high levels of trust so that anything relevant can be discussed including anxieties, aspirations, problems and potential solutions. While discussing the day-to-day experience of work can be important, it is also important to focus at a higher level, thinking about the future and bigger goals.

Reverse mentoring has the same ethos, but reverses one crucial element. Rather than a more senior person mentoring a more junior mentee, the colleague who is more junior mentors the mentee who is more senior. The reason for this is that the senior person will be less experienced than the junior colleague in something they crucially need to understand.

Equity, diversity and inclusion is an area in which is it particularly important for leaders to learn from colleagues who have different life experiences, and who experience the organisation in a different way to leaders who have perceived positional status. Challenges with positions of perceived status include that the people who occupy them can become insulated from the experience of most people, information can be filtered and it can be difficult for colleagues to express what they really think. Reverse mentoring creates a safe space for the mentors to explain to the senior mentee what is really going on in their experience, and it is a safe space for the mentor to discuss and listen about things they don’t know and are uncertain about. It is an opportunity for the mentee to try to see organisational life through the eyes of others and to take action as a result.

How it works

Step one: practicalities
  • Set up regular meetings – normally an hour monthly
  • Agree the ground rules – complete confidentiality for both sides and the mentee supporting the mentors in saying anything that needs to be said, including criticism and questioning
  • Get a good match – being aware of differences and complementarities in learning styles and personal interaction approaches.
Step two: mentoring meetings
  • Establish a shared sense of purpose – supporting learning and action on matters which need insight and reflection for the mentee and enabling an authentic expression of under-represented voices
  • Use questioning to help define and understand problems or issues with greater clarity
  • Discuss alternative ways of framing and understanding issues – express alternative viewpoints
  • Develop clear action steps
  • Review the practicality of the action steps, for example, identifying what resources may be needed or what the organisational history and politics may need to be overcome or understood
  • At the next meeting review how actions went and what learning can be extracted from steps forwards, backwards and sideways.

Race and reverse mentoring

Two women in a library examining fabric on a table.

Reverse mentoring for understanding and action on racial discrimination and prejudice includes:

  • Learn how to talk about race: practice and receive feedback in a safe place, then build and amplify the voice
  • Prioritise anti-racism: proactively uphold the idea of racial equality and promote changes in practices, procedures and systems to support racial equality.
  • Raise awareness of racial discrimination and prejudice: make it overt that leaders need and want to learn and change
  • Change the organisational culture: build the skills and understanding and clearly state the values that will be applied in systems such as recruitment and promotion
  • Galvanise change around the Race Equality Charter.

Download this information

You can download the contents of this webpage as a PDF document.

We have signed up to the Race at Work Charter, an initiative designed to improve outcomes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic employees (BAME) in the UK. Signing up means taking practical steps to ensure our workplace is tackling barriers that ethnic minority people face in recruitment and progression and that our organisation is representative of British society today.

Race at Work Charter signatory Logo

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) works with business and education to inspire people to unleash their potential and become skilled, confident and successful managers and leaders.

The CMI Race network supports people to create more equal, diverse and inclusive organisations by driving change through professional leadership and management practices.

The CMI guide on workplace inclusion, aims to support all organisations in making real change happen.

Middlesex University Core Staff Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting

Ethnicity Pay Gap – Voluntary Reporting

Middlesex University recognises and is committed to challenging the structural barriers experienced by people of colour. To enable us to create equity within the University we are voluntarily reporting our ethnicity pay gap and will take steps to address it.

Unlike gender pay gap reporting, ethnicity pay gap reporting is not required by law but there are growing calls to make it a statutory requirement.

We have obtained a Bronze Award for our Race Equality Charter Application which contains actions to address the data collected.

We have included both Middlesex University and MU Services Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary) in our reporting. As of 31 March 2024, the Ethnicity Pay Gap for all core and hourly paid staff (excluding students) was 11.7% (mean or average), compared to 9.6% in 2023. The median pay gap was 10.5%, up from 10.0% in 2023, in favour of white staff. These figures are based on a total employee headcount of 1,689 (including both core and hourly paid staff).

Middlesex University and MU Services Ltd All Staff Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting – 31 March 2024

Includes Core Staff & Hourly Paid Staff (excludes students)

Hourly rate

The Mean and Median ethnicity pay gap based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay:

 

Mean ethnicity pay gap

Median ethnicity pay gap

Total employees

White

£28.20

£26.61

1,101

BAME

£24.90

£23.82

585

Gap %

11.7%

10.5%

1,689 employees

Bonus pay

The Mean and Median bonus ethnicity pay gap and the proportion of BAME and White staff receiving a bonus payment:

 

Proportion receiving bonus

Mean ethnicity bonus gap

 Median ethnicity bonus gap

White

0.1%

9.8%

13.3%

BAME

0.1%

Quartile pay band

The proportion of BAME and White staff in each hourly rate quartile pay band:

Pay band

Number of white employees

Percentage of white employees

Number of BAME employees

Percentage BAME employees

Quartile 1

238

56.5%

183

43.5%

Quartile 2

242

57.5%

179

42.5%

Quartile 3

327

77.5%

95

22.5%

Quartile 4

294

69.7%

128

30.3%

Middlesex University and MU Services Ltd All Staff Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting – 31 March 2023

Includes Core Staff & Hourly Paid Staff (excludes students)

Hourly rate

The Mean and Median ethnicity pay gap based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay:

 

Mean ethnicity pay gap

Median ethnicity pay gap

Total employees

White

£27.00

£25.89

1,316

BAME

£24.40

£23.29

590

Gap %

9.6%

10.0%

1,906 employees

Bonus pay

The Mean and Median bonus ethnicity pay gap and the proportion of BAME and White employees receiving a bonus payment:

 

Proportion receiving bonus

Mean ethnicity bonus gap

Median ethnicity bonus gap

White

0.1%

84.1%

0.0%

BAME

0.1%

Quartile pay band

The proportion of BAME and White employees in each hourly rate quartile pay band:

Pay band

Number of white employees

Percentage of white employees

Number of BAME employees

Percentage BAME employees

Quartile 1

264

55.3%

213

44.7%

Quartile 2

319

66.9%

158

33.1%

Quartile 3

325

68.3%

151

31.7%

Quartile 4

408

85.7%

68

14.3%

Middlesex University and MU Services Ltd All Staff Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting – 31 March 2022

Includes Core Staff & Hourly Paid Staff (excludes students)

Hourly rate

The Mean and Median ethnicity pay gap based on an hourly rate of ordinary pay:

 

Mean ethnicity pay gap

Median ethnicity pay gap

Total employees

White

£25.60

£24.05

1,393

BAME

£23.10

£22.00

602

Gap %

9.8%

8.5%

1,995 employees

Bonus pay

The Mean and Median bonus ethnicity pay gap and the proportion of white and BAME employees receiving a bonus payment:

 

Proportion receiving bonus

Mean ethnicity bonus gap

Median ethnicity bonus gap

White

0.1%

29.5%

-11.1%

BAME

0.1%

Quartile pay band

The proportion of white and BAME employees in each hourly rate quartile pay band:

Pay band

Number of white employees

Percentage of white employees

Number of BAME employees

Percentage BAME employees

Quarter 1

168

33.7%

331

66.3%

Quarter 2

201

40.4%

297

59.6%

Quarter 3

171

34.3%

328

65.7%

Quarter 4

319

63.9%

180

36.1%

 

 

 

Neurodiversity

Every neurodivergent individual has a unique pattern of strengths and challenges. No two people are the same, so we all have different profiles.

Our neurodivergent staff and students bring unique perspectives, talent and problem-solving skills to Middlesex University. By embracing neurodiversity, we not only foster inclusivity and equity, but also benefit from their diverse strengths and contributions.

Navigating Neurodiversity at Work video thumbnail

Navigating Neurodiversity at Work

The Neurodiversity Week hub offer resources to help educators, organisations, parents and carers better understand different types of neurodiversity, and how they can be better allies.

Counselling and mental health

Our student support services pages cover mental health support and counselling available to our students.

Disability and neurodiversity service

If you are affected by a health condition or learning difficulty, please consult our guide to support available through our disability and neurodiversity service. Current students and staff can access information about disability and neurodiversity support through the MyMDX app.

 

Neurodiversity is a recognition that not all brains think or feel the same way, and that these differences are natural variations in the human genome. A group of people are neurodiverse, an individual is not.

Neurodivergent refers to an individual who has a less typical cognitive variation such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia etc. People may also acquire neurodiversity, for example as a result of a head injury or a stroke. However, it’s best not to focus on conditions or attempt to medicalise people.

One way of understanding neurodiversity is through the idea of a ‘spiky profile’. Someone with a ‘spiky profile’ has some great strengths, but also finds some things much harder than other people.

If neurotypical people have relatively ‘flat’ profiles because the difference between their areas of strength and weakness are smaller, neurodivergent people have ‘spiky profiles’ because the differences between their areas of strength and weakness are more pronounced.

The different ways in which we think can go to the heart of our identities. That means it’s important to think about how you’re talking about neurodiversity.

The most important thing to do when talking about neurodiversity is to listen. Ask neurodivergent people how they want to be spoken to and about.

'Person-first' and 'identity-first' language

There are different ways of talking about disability, and the main two are ‘person-first’ and ‘identity-first’. An example of person-first language is ‘person with autism’ or ‘person with dyslexia’. Using identity-first language, those examples would be ‘autistic person’ or ‘dyslexic person’.

Some people prefer one over the other, and it can depend on the condition and the individual. Some autistic people feel that their autism is such an integral part of their identity that it would be inaccurate to say they are a ‘person with autism’ because the person and the autism are inextricable. These people might say that identity-first language better reflects their identity.

There are no hard and fast rules about what language to use with individuals. You should always ask someone how they like to identify if you are unsure. Take your lead from them, and don’t be afraid to ask – respectfully – if you’re not sure.

Focus on processes, not conditions

It can be unhelpful to focus on conditions when talking about neurodiversity. Two individuals with the same conditions may well think in very different ways. Most people with a neurodiverse condition have at least one other, and they may well not experience them as distinct conditions. In any case, we all think differently regardless of whether or not we have a condition.

Be flexible with language and terms

Most importantly, when talking about neurodiversity, try to be as flexible as possible by using the preferred language of the neurodiverse people you’re speaking to or about.

The annual MDX Neurodiversity Celebration Festival is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the talents, strengths, and unique perspectives of the neurodivergent community. 

These events feature performances, stalls, activities, workshops and discussions. The goal is to celebrate diversity and inclusion, while also helping the university community to become better informed. These events are open to all, and take place across our three campuses in London, Mauritius and Dubai.

The Festival is led by:

  • Emilie Edwards, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery
  • Irina Staneva, Deputy Head of Student Support and Wellbeing
  • Adriana Aliji, Senior Executive Support

Here are some events that have featured in past MDX Neurodiversity Celebration Festivals.

Talk: What hinders our wonderful brains from learning?

This talk considered:

  • How different brains process information
  • Specific Learning Difficulties and intersectionality
  • Privilege unpacked
  • What it means to our students (and us)
  • How to support resilience

This talk was delivered by Karisa Krcmar  Director of the Professional Association of Specific Learning Difference Specialists in Higher Education (PASSHE).

Talk: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Postgraduate Research Studies

A doctorate is often considered the pinnacle of academic education, but is not always a space where everyone feels they can belong. This presentation introduced EDI considerations related to postgraduate researchers in the higher education sector. It also outlined preliminary insights of an ongoing review, in collaboration with Advance HE, of practices and processes in postgraduate research through the lens of EDI.
This talk was given by Nico Pizzolato, Director of Postgraduate Research Studies at Middlesex University.

Discussion: MDX Neurodiversity Global Panel Discussion and Q&A

Neurodivergent students from London, Dubai and Mauritius shared insights into their educational journey, discussing their unique experiences and challenges. They also showcased their strengths and proud accomplishments, inspiring others with their resilience and achievements. Audience members were invited to engage with the panellists. This session was livestreamed to our Dubai and Mauritius Campuses.

Exhibition: Sensory Safety – A re-evaluation of Oxford Street for Neurodiversity Inclusion

An exhibition, by MA Interior students, around the need for quieter spaces along Oxford Street. The proposals focused on how we can adapt our existing built environment to provide refuge and inclusive, quiet spaces for neurodivergent visitors.

Work by:

  • Daniela Chavez Zavala, Hidden but Seen. An Autism Support Centre 
  • Ivy Fang, Pressure. A sheltered resting place on Oxford Street
  • Evy Mansour, Curing the Metropolis. Mitigating the effects of air pollution while providing calm quiet space
  • Sarah Mohammed, Form Follows Feeling. Therapeutic architecture for wellness
  • Qassandra Ng, Lost and Found. Making connections with other
  • Eren Yigit, Screening the Street. Quiet safer spaces just off Oxford Street.

Performance: Breaking Free

Breaking Free is a dance/interactive performance about neurodiversity involving screen projection, sound and lighting. It was created and performed at the MDX Neurodiversity Celebration Festival by Yasemin Gross, a multidisciplinary actor/performer with neurodivergence, then in her 3rd year of Theatre Arts BA at Middlesex University.

The performance consisted of three parts: 

  • An interactive play of catching, throwing and passing a ball in a circle formed of audience participants
  • The dance itself
  • A workshop using sticky notes and pens followed the dance. The audience was invited to write down one thing from which they want to break free and stick this onto a wall, through which Yasemin would then break free. They were also encouraged to note one thing they like about themselves and stick this on their clothing

This production aimed to raise awareness of how people with neurodiversity feel and to form connections, acknowledging that everyone has challenges and strong points.

Performance: Chickenshed

A range of creative extracts from some of the work of Chickenshed Theatre students, with all the pieces being led and or/created by students with neurodiverse lived experiences. Extracts were from projects performed at Chickenshed Theatre, outreach in schools, or both. The varied and impactful work reflects and embodies the spirit of neurodiverse positivity and barrier-breaking celebrated at the Middlesex Neurodiversity Festival. 

Participants at the festivals also have the opportunity to meet with organisations such as:

  • The Sanjay Mortimer Foundation (SMF), a non-profit initiative to find and assist those with neurodivergent minds to realise their potential through the field of engineering
  • The Sapphire Community Group, which works with children and young people to empower and stabilise segregated communities through mentoring, coaching, literature, entertainment, events, and workshops
  • Barnet Mencap, which offers a range of support and events for children and adults with a learning disability, autistic people, and their families, within the London Borough of Barnet

Alongside this, there are opportunities to explore how assistive technology and equipment can support you in your studies. There will be an opportunity to trial the equipment, such as Posturite MindView and Read&Write (support for people with dyslexia), Dragon (speech-to-text) and Glean (notetaking).

The festivals also give students and staff opportunities an introduction to range of support services available to neurodiverse people at Middlesex, and the people behind them.

 

Barbara Abramowicz

Healthcare science alumna

"I have ADHD and Middlesex University changed my life. Everything turned in a positive way when I reached out to the support services, right from the first phone call when I spoke to somebody who encouraged me to apply and helped me with setting up my support. I received 1:1 support, mentoring, study skills and a lot of equipment. Last year I graduated and was fortunate enough to secure a job at an NHS trust. I'm currently working as an audiologist and could not have achieved this without the support I received at Middlesex. The university experience has been life-changing for me, Middlesex helped me conquer this success!”

Portrait of Barbara Abramowicz

Phil Barter

Academic Director, Middlesex University Mauritius

“I am the Academic Director, Middlesex University Mauritius, formerly Deputy Dean for the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, with a PhD, and I am dyslexic. I am keen on showing that dyslexia is not a barrier to success.”

Portrait of Phil Barter

Tamsin Bicknell

Consultant Midwife at Homerton Hospital, Advanced Professional Practice MSc

“I have ADHD and love the creativity, innovation and ability to see things differently that this brings to my practise as a midwife and leader in the NHS. There are challenges too, but finding the right kind of role for my unique brain within my profession has allowed me to flourish; as have practising kindness and understanding towards myself.”

Portrait of Tamsin Bicknell

Niki Duncan

Midwifery Education Fellow

“I am an autistic and ADHD Midwifery Lecturer and Midwife. I am keen to share my diagnosis with you so that you can see that you are not alone, if you too are neurodivergent. I am keen for us to generate a greater understanding of all types of neurodivergence and the possibilities for even better inclusivity."

Portrait of Niki Duncan

Emilie Edwards

Senior Lecturer in Midwifery

“I am an autistic lecturer and midwife and I want to disrupt the outdated narrative around neurodiversity by engaging in innovative and collaborative conversations and projects.”

Portrait of Emilie Edwards

Jack Evans

Cybersecurity Student

“I never let my dyslexia get in the way of accomplishing great things and decided to embrace this different way of learning. This has made me a stronger and more empathetic person." 

Alice Hartley

Student, trainee mental health worker

"I am an autistic TMHW. One of the things I am hoping to do in the future is to interview various individuals on the neurodivergent spectrum to show society how different we all are to each other. I also want to show how neurodivergent individuals are more than able to contribute to society when rightfully accommodated."

Portrait of Alice Hartley

Adrian Jugdoyal

DoP/Senior Lecturer in
Mental Health Nursing

“I am an Autistic and Dyslexic lecturer and nurse. I would want equity for all those identifying as neurodivergent to allow them to reach their maximum potential in all aspects of their life without societal and organisational barriers.”

Portrait of Adrian Jugdoyal

Rose Kiernan

Creative Technology MSc

“I have ASD and ADHD and I love my neurodivergent brain and how my brain works and how I see the world, I am able to think outside the box and I love how passionate I am as well as having a strong sense of justice, as a Games design graduate at MDX my creativity with my neurodivergency helped a lot!”

Portrait of Rose Kiernan

Robert McDonough

Occupational Health & Wellbeing Manager

“Having dyslexia has helped me to appreciate that we all have different strengths and needs, which is essential in my role because it gives me an insight into how important it is to put the right support for colleagues with support needs.”

Portrait of Robert McDonough

Yvonne McInanny

Midwifery Alumna

“I have dyslexia and I couldn’t have achieved my dream to become a midwife without the support from the university and my personal tutor.”

Nathan

Graphic design student

“I believe that my autism aids my creativity by allowing me to view the world in a different way. I sometimes struggle socially, but find it easy to engage with others through my art.”

Portrait of Nathan

Esther Olatunji

President of Neurodiverse Brains

“There is no 'right' way of thinking, learning, and communicating. Our brains are wired differently and that's okay.”

Portrait of Esther Olatunji

Jacob Pepper

Networks & Social Action Manager

“I’m dyslexic and dyspraxic and grew up assuming that the things that I was good at were despite my Neurodiversity but as I got older and started to research, I realised that they were because of it. It feels cheesy to say but I’m really proud to be neurodiverse.”

Portrait of Jacob Pepper

Christiana Rose

Events and Development Support Officer

“I am an Event Coordinator with dyspraxia and I want to disrupt the outdated narrative around neurodiversity, by showing that my disability is not limiting - in fact, the way I think and plan, means I get to be creative and work visually. Thanks to Middlesex University’s onus on accessible education, my self-development has been incredible. I am in the final year of a law degree, whilst balancing work and a young family. I have represented the university in mediation competitions in London and Ireland. I have also had the privilege of learning from unbelievably inspiring experts in the legal field, planning events externally at prestigious venues (barristers chambers and Inns of Court!) and organised important events on campus, which contribute towards the future. I am proud of how I work in a coordination role, when my condition is all about a lack of coordination!”

Portrait of Christiana Rose

David Wheeler

Associate Lecturer in Studio & Digital Production

“A slow reader, I struggled, but worked super-hard at school and did OK. Energetic, enthusiastic and full of visual ideas because of my ADHD, I went on to become a successful TV director at the BBC, where I juggled many varied priorities and created high-impact films such as Top Gear.”

Portrait of David Wheeler