Recommendation 21

There is scope for improvements with respect to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in the current research and innovation system, as illustrated by the 2014–15 to 2018–19 data from UKRI. The system benefits from having people with different ideas, different backgrounds and different characteristics working together. We therefore welcome UKRI’s commitment to expanding its equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility data collection and analysis capabilities. UKRI should set out, in the Government’s Response to this Report, when it will publish its equality strategy. The strategy should outline how UKRI intends to improve the effectiveness of its equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility processes and policies and how the effects will be measured and demonstrated. (Paragraph 120) A new UK research funding agency 49