Introduction Context The Higher Education (HE) sector in the UK has grown significantly over the last two decades, shifting from a system focused on domestic education provision to one oriented towards the education of international students (Bolton, 2024). This move has been driven by various factors, including structural changes in HE funding and the emerging demand for global graduates. Although Wales’ HE sector has retained a core mission to support their local communities as anchor institutions, Welsh HE Institutions (HEIs) are not immune to these structural shifts and so a drive for student expansion in Wales has been accompanied by a rise in the diversity of student cohorts. This includes economic, social and cultural diversity as well as a wider inclusion of those with protected characteristics. This change in the composition of students and staff cohorts in Wales has promoted a change in strategic priorities towards wider participation and equality of opportunity in Wales (Miles, 2022; Morgan 2013). Business Schools Management education has experienced significant changes, both within the student and staff cohorts. Business Schools (BSs) have experienced a high degree of success in creating high- impact, attractive degree programs which can offer enhanced graduate employability while also being relevant to a wider national and international student cohort. While BS staff and students have experienced difficulties during these times of significant expansion, the developments towards more diverse cohorts have offered a catalyst and a living laboratory for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives. To maintain academic standards and a positive student experience in this context, BSs have had to engage their more diverse student cohorts meaningfully by developing policies and initiatives to allow all student voices and communities to be heard and recognised. This handbook explores the various challenges facing Business Schools and offers insights into a variety of practices that have emerged in response.
The Collaborative Enhancement Project Group Partner institutions and team
Lead institution: Swansea University Dr Richard Baylis Janet Collins Suki Collins Hollie Evans Alison Llewlyn Prof. Andrew Thomas Mia Webber
Partner institutions: Aberystwyth University Dr Mandy Talbot Bangor University Dr Sara Parry Dr Cunqiang [Felix] Shi Cardiff Metropolitan University Cardiff University Prof. Rachel Ashworth Vikki Burge Shaheda Khatun University of South Wales Dr Xiaozheng Zhang Dr Aylwin Yafele University of Wales Trinity Saint David Dr Gareth Hughes Wrexham University
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Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Excellence within Higher Education
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