Measuring the impact of our work: annual survey

'ECU is a key agency for the sector, providing expert, evidence-based reports and positions on key aspects of equalities work. Distribution of ECU resources has been valuable for drawing a wider group of managers into the frame of appreciating the formative value of equality and diversity work.'

Head of institution

In 2011 we carried out our first survey of the UK higher education sector to assess the impact that our work to advance equality and diversity has had on individuals, higher education institutions and the higher education sector as a whole. The survey also gave us an opportunity to understand your equality priorities and the challenges you face.

The online survey was carried out in November 2011. We invited the vice-chancellor or principal, the head of human resources and the head of equality and diversity from every higher education institution to complete the in-depth survey. We also encouraged all interested human resources and equality and diversity practitioners to take part through general invitations on our website, in our newsletter and through networks.

We gathered 195 completed and validated responses:

• 42 heads of institutions
• 114 equality and diversity practitioners
• 39 human resources leads

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond - your input has been invaluable.

You said ...

• 67.5% (over 2 in 3 respondents) said our work had led their institution to undertake specific equality and diversity activities.

'I believe ECU's work had significant impact in our institution's efforts to investigate the disabled staff experience.'

Equality and diversity practitioner

• 45.2% and 42.0% respondents rated our work as excellent or good.
• 76.3% of equality and diversity (E and D) practitioners and 30.8% of HR leads were frequent users of our services and resources.
• 64.3% of the responding heads of institutions were aware of our objectives and familiar with resources and services.
• 71.1% of E and D practitioners had sought advice or support from us. Of these, 81.5% were satisfied or very satisfied.
• 1 in 4 HR respondents had also sought advice or support. 100% were satisfied or very satisfied with the service provided.

'The publications which detailed the changes introduced by the Equality Act 2010 were excellent, comprehensive and specific to the needs of HEIs during a period of significant change.'

Equality and diversity practitioner

• 86.8% of you found the Equalitylink newsletter useful or very useful.
• 92.5% found our website useful or very useful.
• Two in three (66.7%) of HR practitioners agreed or strongly agreed that our work helped to support line managers and staff in their institution.

Further details

You can find more statistics, quotes and comments from the survey in our Annual Review of 2011.

You can download a summary of the survey below: Measuring our impact: 2011 Annual sector survey key findings