Goal 10: Reduced inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

Working in partnership both locally and globally, we are tackling each of the UN Sustainable Development Goals through our research and knowledge exchange, education and student experience, and through our operations. Discover how our unique commitments align with and support Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced inequalities.

Research and impact

The Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place continues to tackle regional inequalities through interdisciplinary research on economic development, urban governance, and public policy. Its work addresses disparities in productivity, income, health, and employment across the UK, supporting debates on inclusive growth, skills development, and devolution (10.2, 10.3). Recent research on community-led housing revealed that Black and Minority Ethnic groups are consistently under-represented within the sector. Drawing on 26 interviews and participatory workshops, the study highlighted structural barriers in funding and planning and set out policy recommendations to support greater inclusion (10.3, 10.4). Parallel work on racial inequalities in the NHS workforce led to the creation of an evidence-led EDI knowledge platform in collaboration with the Workforce Race Equality Standard team. This platform is being actively used across NHS trusts to promote reform and embed equality into institutional practice (10.2, 10.3). In 2025, the University also launched the Liverpool Institute of Child Health and Wellbeing, a major new centre using data science, AI, and place-based healthcare innovation to address child health inequalities. This investment reflects the University’s commitment to reducing systemic disparities and advancing equitable, resilient communities (10.2, 10.3).

Education and student experience

The University embeds inclusivity and equity into its teaching and student experience, directly advancing SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. The Liverpool Curriculum Framework establishes inclusivity as a baseline expectation for all programmes, shaping curriculum design, teaching, and assessment to ensure equitable outcomes for students from all backgrounds (10.3, 10.4). Academic programmes integrate teaching on inequality across disciplines. The module Sociologies of Class and Inequality examines historical and contemporary forms of class-based exclusion, while Social and Spatial Inequalities equips students with tools to analyse geographically embedded disparities in income, ethnicity, and employment. These courses critically evaluate policy responses to systemic inequality and directly support Target 10.3. Beyond the classroom, widening participation initiatives such as the Fast Trackers mentoring programme and the Liverpool Scholars Programme provide targeted support for pupils from ethnic minority and disadvantaged communities, raising aspirations and enhancing access (10.2, 10.6). Complementary schemes such as Liverpool Plus, alongside hardship funds and debt advice, ensure financial barriers do not prevent student success. Students also contribute to inclusive practice by engaging in curriculum mapping, sustainability modules addressing systemic barriers, volunteering with the Guild of Students, and community-based projects designed to promote fair access to resources and opportunities (10.2, 10.3).

Sustainable campus and operations

The University of Liverpool is committed to fostering an environment that recognises and celebrates diversity, with Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) embedded across all operations. The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee leads this work, guided by the Equality Objectives Action Plan (2022–2028), which prioritises race, gender, disability, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, using data and community feedback to ensure measurable progress. In 2024, we pledged to eliminate degree awarding gaps by 2030, addressing disparities linked to ethnicity, socio-economic status, and other protected characteristics. This commitment supports Target 10.3 by promoting equitable academic outcomes. Staff equality networks and Disability Coaches provide peer support and tailored assistance, while enhanced pay gap reporting now covers gender, ethnicity, disability, and sexuality. Race equality remains central through participation in the Advance HE Race Equality Charter (REC) and leadership initiatives such as Diversifying Leadership. LGBTQIA+ inclusion is advanced through initiatives like PINKBRICK, which examines evolving societal attitudes. Global equity is also supported through Humanitarian Scholarships and the Asylum Seekers Bursary, offering disadvantaged students from other countries the opportunity to study at Liverpool, reducing inequalities between and within nations (10.2, 10.3).

Case studies

Empowering BME communities through community housing

In 2025, the University of Liverpool contributed to a landmark national report, Community-led housing for all: Opportunities and challenges for Black and minority ethnic community-led housing. Co-authored by Dr Tom Moore, housing and planning expert at the University, alongside housing practitioners and colleagues from Leeds Community Homes, Pathway Housing Solutions, and Sheffield Hallam University, the report highlights the systemic under-representation of Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in England’s community-led housing sector.

Drawing on 26 interviews and participatory workshops, the research identified historic and structural barriers that limit BME groups’ access to, and leadership of, community housing projects. Despite the sector’s potential to empower residents and deliver affordable homes, many existing models reflect “white spaces” where BME voices are marginalised. Key challenges include inequitable access to funding, land acquisition, and leadership opportunities.

The report sets out actionable recommendations, including improved monitoring of fund allocations, increased representation of BME leaders, and policy reform to ensure equitable access to land and funding. These recommendations were supported by partners including the Nationwide Foundation, the Tudor Trust, and the Community Land Trust Network, and were launched at the University of Liverpool as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science.

This work advances SDG 10 by promoting inclusion (10.2), reducing inequalities of outcome (10.3), and calling for fairer policy frameworks (10.4). By combining academic research with practitioner and lived experience, it provides a foundation for systemic change in housing justice, shaping policy debate and practice across the UK.

Enhancing diversity and inclusivity in Liverpool’s music scene

The University of Liverpool’s Institute of Popular Music, in collaboration with the Liverpool City Region Music Board launched the ReMap report, a pivotal study on Black music makers in the City Region. The research, conducted from 2021 to 2023, gathered insights through interviews, surveys, and focus groups to reveal the contributions and challenges faced by Black individuals in the local music sector. The ReMap report addresses critical issues such as accessibility, representation, and regional dynamics, offering actionable recommendations for creating a more inclusive environment. These include developing a Black music strategy for the City Region, targeted funding, feasibility studies for Black music venues, and establishing professional networks and mentorship programs. Launched in April 2024, at District, a Black-owned venue in Liverpool, the report’s findings were discussed with notable figures like Eunice Obianagha, UK Music’s Head of Diversity. Dr. Flynn expressed his enthusiasm for the report’s impact on enhancing diversity and inclusivity in Liverpool’s music scene. The report has been lauded by national organisations, including Black Lives in Music, and praised for its comprehensive analysis and its call for a more equitable music industry. The research, initially funded by the University of Liverpool’s Early Career Research and Research Development and Innovation Funds, will continue through a three-year PhD scholarship to further develop the research and recommendations. The Institute of Popular Music and Liverpool City Region Music Board are co-funding this scholarship, to advance the study and support the Black music community’s growth.

Addressing the impacts of children in care

A report led by researchers from the University of Liverpool revealed the significant economic and social burden of children in care in the North of England. Published by Health Equity North for the Child of the North All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), the report highlighted the North's disproportionately high rates of children in care compared to the South, with a care rate of 93 per 10,000 children in the North versus 62 in the rest of England. Between 2019 and 2023, the North’s higher care rates resulted in an estimated £25 billion in lifetime social costs. The report, published in April 2024, underscores that if the North had the same care entry rates as the South, these costs could have been avoided. The report noted that over 83,000 children were in care in England in 2023, with the risk of this number rising due to widening health inequalities and increasing child poverty. The rise in child poverty from 2015 to 2020 led to over 10,000 additional care entries. Key recommendations included policies to reduce child poverty, enhanced support for families, investment in prevention, and improvements in the children’s social care system. The report also addressed issues such as ethnic inequalities, foster care shortages, and systemic challenges within children’s services. Many experts urged urgent policy changes to address these inequalities and improve support for children and families, stressing that effective intervention and investment in preventive measures are crucial for creating a fairer system.

Helping young people into the workforce

A study led by the University of Liverpool and UCL, published in Population, Space and Place in April 2024, found that young adults in the UK are facing more challenges in entering the workforce compared to previous generations. Analysing data from 1,860 people across three birth cohorts, the research revealed a 30% drop in the number of graduates finding work immediately after university between those born in the late 1970s and those born in the late 1980s. The study highlighted increased labour market uncertainty, with young adults experiencing more unstable career paths, including periods of unemployment and part-time work. Disadvantaged backgrounds and gender disparities exacerbated these challenges, particularly for young women, with over 65% of those facing career instability having children before the age of 20. The study calls for targeted societal and governmental support to help young people navigate these complex transitions.

Neurodiversity Symposium: Advancing inclusivity

The University of Liverpool’s inaugural Neurodiversity Symposium, held in March 2024 in the Tung Auditorium, marked a significant step in advancing inclusivity. The event was met with enthusiastic acclaim from over 280 attendees, including staff and students. The symposium featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including experts from the ADHD Foundation, Do-IT Solutions, EY’s UK&I Neurodiverse Centre of Excellence, and Glasgow University, as well as Lizzie Ackers from Great British Bake Off. Their insights provided practical strategies for fostering neuroinclusion in academic settings. The hybrid format of the event ensured accessibility, with quiet rooms and traffic light badges to accommodate varying communication preferences. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity and shared stories of personal growth, reflecting the symposium’s positive impact. Professor Judy Coulson, Deputy APVC and EDI Lead in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, expressed gratitude for the high level of engagement and highlighted the participation of Vice Chancellor and Katherine Fairclough from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, emphasizing ongoing efforts toward neuroinclusion. In response to the symposium’s success, Blackwells announced a weekly Neurodivergent Friendly quiet hour which started in April 2024. This initiative offers a calm environment for neurodivergent individuals to explore books and will feature a selection of resources on neurodivergent experiences. Additionally, Blackwells has extended a 10% discount to university staff, further supporting accessibility and inclusivity. This collaboration underscores the University’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community.

Enhancing inclusion and diversity in arts and culture

In November 2023, the University of Liverpool signed the Liverpool Arts and Culture Race Equality Manifesto, joining 31 arts and cultural organisations in the Liverpool City Region in a campaign to enhance inclusion and diversity in the sector. The manifesto, developed by the Liverpool Arts Regeneration Consortium (LARC) and Creative Organisations of Liverpool (COoL), outlines seven pledges aimed at diversifying the workforce and combating racism within arts and culture. By endorsing the manifesto, the University commits to implementing its principles across its arts venues, including Libraries, Museums, Galleries, and The Tung Auditorium. This pledge reflects the University’s commitment to improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in its workforce, collections, and programming. The Tung Auditorium, which already prioritises diversity in its programming, and other departments are set to enhance their public and student offerings through collaborative and inclusive approaches. Professor Fiona Beveridge, Executive Pro-Vice Chancellor for Humanities and Social Sciences, emphasised the University’s dedication to becoming a more diverse organisation and advocating for race equality. Bryan Biggs, Director of Cultural Legacies at the Bluecoat, welcomed the University’s commitment, highlighting its significant contribution to the city’s cultural life. The University will work to fulfil the manifesto’s pledges and track progress, aligning this effort with its Race Equality Charter application and the Liverpool 2031 strategy.

Tackling race inequality and discrimination in organisations

Research at the University’s Management School has been crucial in addressing racial inequality in organisations, with a particular focus on the NHS. By exploring the experiences of Black and minority ethnic (BME) employees, the research has highlighted issues like microaggressions, bullying, harassment, and career barriers, advocating for long-term, tailored strategies to create more inclusive workplaces. Activist movements such as #SayHerName and Black Lives Matter have brought attention to these ongoing racial challenges, prompting organisations to act. This work has informed several key initiatives, including the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard and the Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust's WRES Culture Change Programme, which seeks to improve racial representation and reduce discrimination within NHS trusts. The research has also led to the development of the Workplace EDI website, providing managers with resources on equality, diversity, and inclusion. In the private sector, the NWBLT has used this research to develop strategies for promoting racial inclusivity among its corporate members, with insights shared at the She Leads For Legacy Conference. Additionally, the NHS Mersey Care Anti-Racist Evaluation Project is using this research to refine its anti-racist strategies, ensuring their effectiveness through independent evaluations.

Reducing inequalities in the Liverpool City Region

The University of Liverpool’s Heseltine Institute launched A Manifesto for Liverpool City Region ahead of the 2024 elections to tackle critical policy challenges, focusing on reducing inequalities and addressing stark health disparities across the region. Professors Louise Kenny and David Taylor-Robinson highlighted persistent inequalities, referencing reports like Child of the North that expose the UK's health inequality crisis. The manifesto also covered strategies for promoting inclusivity and cultural vibrancy, with input from Dr. Richard Benjamin and Laura Pye, CEO of National Museums Liverpool, emphasising culture’s unifying power. It addressed systemic issues such as housing, social care, and restoring trust in democracy, as discussed by Professor Stuart Wilks-Heeg. Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones reinforced the University’s dedication to collaborating with local partners to create positive change, demonstrating the role of academic expertise in shaping public policy and fostering greater equity and opportunity in the Liverpool City Region.