Equality, diversity and inclusivity

The Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA) is committed to the values of equality, diversity and inclusivity and strives to ensure these principles are reflected in its policy, practice and governance. The SLSA understands these values to be integral to the advancement of research, teaching and the dissemination of knowledge in the field of socio-legal studies. Therefore the SLSA is committed to opposing discrimination and to striving for equality and diversity on the basis of gender, sexuality, gender identity, ethnicity, race, nationality, age, religion, disability, mental health status, marital status, family responsibility, and class.

SLSA EDI Strategy

The SLSA's EDI Survey Report (2022) and follow-up Strategic Response Document (2024) as well as its Annual Reports discuss ongoing EDI interventions and initiatives that seek to address disadvantage within the socio-legal community.

The SLSA seeks to lead the development of best practice in our EDI work and looks forward to actively engaging with other bodies and organisations to identify initiatives that can help us realise our goals. We welcome dialogue, suggestions, and feedback from our members as we celebrate our diversity and strengths as an association and continue to work together to construct a more welcoming, inclusive, diverse, SLSA and equal socio-legal community.

SLSA EDI Survey Report

Thank you to everyone who completed our first ever EDI survey in late 2021. The results have been compiled into a report which can be downloaded here:

SLSA EDI Report: March 2022

EDI Strategic Response Document

In the above report (at page 4), the SLSA committed to providing a

detailed and carefully considered Strategic Response document ... that will develop an SLSA EDI Strategy.

The SLSA Board approved the EDI Strategy (above) and Strategic Response Document at its January 2024 meeting. The Strategic Response Document reports on the issues raised in the 2021 EDI survey and the progress made so far to address them.

EDI Strategic Response Document: January 2024

EDI Policy

The SLSA Equality and Diversity Policy sets out the objectives of the Association and outlines the steps that will be taken to achieve equality and diversity outcomes. The Association has established an Equality and Diversity Sub-Committee, whose role is to promote the objectives set out in this policy and to monitor their implementation. There is further information outlining the role of the Sub-Committee in the SLSA Equality and Diversity Policy.

The Equality and Diversity in SLSA Conferences document contains further guidance for organisers of the SLSA Annual Conference and the SLSA Postgraduate Conference, and other events either sponsored or co-sponsored by the Association. The guidance in this document also extends to stream conveners and delegates.