Imperial’s reputation as an international centre of research and teaching excellence has been built upon the achievements of diverse staff working over many decades. The University's values (Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation and Excellence) emphasise the importance of culture and diversity, and shape how we work with one another. Read more about our University Values
Within the Department of Computing, we take pride in the diversity of our staff and students and recognise that a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives is essential in driving innovation forward. Diversity is positively encouraged and embedded within our teaching and learning strategy. As well as an active Women in Computing group, Computing society (DoCSoc) and the LGBTQ+ Allies Network, we have an Equality, Diversity and Education Committee consisting of undergraduate and postgraduate representatives, academics, support staff and visiting members from across Faculty who are dedicated to bringing about positive change.
We actively promote a friendly and inclusive culture and believe that the dignity and individuality of each person should be respected. Freedom of expression and being able to be yourself at work is something that we strongly encourage, and we strive to have an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and is recognised for their contributions and talents.
If you would like to discuss any aspects of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the Department of Computing please contact doc-equality@imperial.ac.uk.
Raising Concerns
We encourage staff to raise concerns or report instances of inappropriate behaviour as early as possible. Your line manager is often the best first point of contact; however, if they are involved in the issue or you would prefer to speak to someone else, a number of alternative support and reporting channels are available:
Department-Managed Reporting and Support Options
- Comments Box (Huxley 418)
- Department Disability Officer
- Deputy Heads of Department
- Anonymous Reporting Tool
- Research Integrity Committee
- Harassment Support Contact (Teaching Fellow for EDI)
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Senior Tutors
- Student Representatives
- Student Wellbeing Advisor
- Teaching Fellow for EDI
An anonymous comments box. Available to staff and PhD students with access to Huxley 418, this provides an informal way to share feedback, suggestions, or concerns anonymously. Comments are reviewed on a bi-weekly/monthly basis by the Communications Officer and Director of Operations, and themes or issues raised are considered and, where appropriate, followed up through the relevant channels.
The comments box is situated in Huxley 418, in the far right corner between the windows and mailboxes.
The Department Disability Officer works with students, the Disability Advisory Service (DAS), and departmental staff to help ensure that recommended reasonable adjustments are implemented effectively and consistently. The DDO can also provide guidance and support to students who have questions about disability-related support within the department. Please contact Thomas Lancaster, the Department Disability Officer, to learn more.
Several colleagues hold Deputy Head of Department roles and can be approached regarding matters within their respective areas of responsibility.
Deputy HoD (External Engagements) Will Knottenbelt
Deputy HoD (Infrastructure) Ben Glocker
Deputy HoD (PhD Studies) Dario Paccagnan
Deputy HoD (Postgraduate Studies) Soteris Demetriou
Deputy HoD (Staff and Culture) Francesca Toni
Deputy HoD (Undergraduate Studies) Nick Wu
Deputy HoD (Research) TBA
An anonymous online reporting form. Submissions are received through the doc-equality mailbox and reviewed by the Teaching Fellow for EDI and the Deputy Head of Department for EDI and Culture. All reports remain anonymous and are considered on a weekly basis, with issues escalated through the appropriate channels where necessary.
HSCs are trained volunteers. They will listen to you and help you explore the informal and formal options available. HSCs keep all discussions confidential. To learn more, please contact Jackie Bell.
The department has a number of trained Mental Health First Aiders who are available to meet with staff and students in confidence to discuss mental health and wellbeing. They provide a safe and supportive space to start a confidential conversation, listen without judgement, and signpost appropriate sources of support where needed. Learn more about our Department Mental Health First Aiders here.
Senior Tutors are academic members of staff with overall responsibility for student pastoral support within the department. They work closely with Personal Tutors and Supervisors to help ensure that students receive appropriate guidance and support, and can provide additional advice, oversight, and assistance in situations that are more complex or where further support may be needed. Learn more about our Senior Tutors and find out who to contact here.
Student representatives gather feedback on academic programmes and the wider student experience, helping to ensure that student views are heard and considered. Student representatives have regular opportunities to raise feedback with the department and can do so anonymously where appropriate, making them a valuable source of support for students who wish to share suggestions, concerns, or ideas for improvement.
Student Wellbeing Advisers provide confidential, non-clinical support to help students navigate challenges affecting their wellbeing and university experience. They offer one-to-one conversations in a supportive and non-judgemental environment, helping students explore their options, identify what support may be most helpful, and connect with appropriate services or specialists where longer-term or more tailored support is needed.
Please contact Grazia Troiano, the Department Wellbeing Adviser, to learn more.
EDI-related guidance for staff and students. Please contact Jackie Bell.
University-Managed Reporting and Support Options
- Advice on Workplace Adjustments
- Confidential Care
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre (EDIC)
- Harassment Support Contacts (HSCs)
- HR (Staff Hub)
- Mediation
- Report + Support Tool
- Staff networks (Able, Pride Network, Imperial as One)
- Staff Supporters
- Trade Unions
Workplace adjustments, previously known as reasonable adjustments, is the legal term for any adaptation made in the workplace to ensure equal access and opportunity for a disabled person. All employers have a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to proactively make adjustments to remove, reduce or prevent any disadvantages that disabled workers face. Learn more here.
Confidential Care is Imperial's employee assistance provider. They run an external report hotline which you can use while remaining anonymous. Confidential Care shares only anonymous summary information with HR, to help the university understand issues and take action.
Call the hotline on +44 (0) 800 197 2814
EDIC provides guidance, training, and support to individuals, teams, departments, and staff networks, and offers a confidential space to discuss EDI-related questions, concerns, and challenges. Through listening to and working with colleagues across Imperial, the team helps to embed inclusive practices and foster a positive and respectful culture. Learn more here.
HSCs are trained volunteers. They will listen to you and help you explore the informal and formal options available. HSCs keep all discussions confidential. Learn more here.
Imperial's HR team offers advice and support to staff. They can answer questions about policies and talk you through the formal grievance process. Learn more here.
Mediation is a confidential process in which a neutral, non-judgmental third party brings the parties in conflict together in a safe environment to facilitate open and honest dialogue as a first step toward finding mutually agreed-upon solutions. Learn more here.
There are two ways to disclose if you have been a victim, or witnessed, bullying, harassment or sexual violence. You can choose to either disclose anonymously or disclose with your details, which will be used to put you in contact with an advisor. Learn more here.
These diversity networks inform and help develop Imperial policy and change procedures, raise awareness of issues and the support available, and act as safe spaces to discuss issues. Learn more here.
Staff Supporters are trained volunteers throughout the university. They can provide confidential and positive assistance if you need information, guidance, and support. They can help on range of issues, from queries about career advice or flexible working, to concerns about the behaviour of a colleague. Learn more here.
Imperial has local branches for three trade unions, Unison, Unite and UCU. Members can ask their union for advice or support. Learn more here.
Find us
Department of Computing
Huxley Building
180 Queen's Gate
South Kensington Campus
Imperial College London
London SW7 2AZ
