Introduction 

By Karen Seaward-Patel, Associate Professor in Media, Birmingham City University and EDI lead for CreaTech Frontiers. 

I am pleased to share the first iteration of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles for the CreaTech Frontiers cluster. These principles have been developed with the CreaTech Frontiers team and shared with our first round of grantees. These principles underpin our approach to EDI in the cluster, and our aim to embed EDI meaningfully in everything the cluster does, as well as working to address existing inequalities in the CreaTech sector. A 2025 report on CreaTech published by the Royal Anniversary Trust highlights the “lack of diversity in those who are able to build successful careers in areas related to CreaTech” (p.26). Thus, it is imperative that the CreaTech Frontiers cluster works to address these EDI concerns in the sector. The ways in which we aim to do this are set out below, however this is a live document which will continually be updated. Any feedback and suggestions are welcome.  

This framework is part of a set of three key principles guiding our work which also includes Responsible Innovation and Sustainability. 

Principles 

In line with the UKRI Equality, diversity and inclusion strategy 2022-26, our EDI vision is to establish an inclusive environment for all involved with the CreaTech Frontiers cluster, allowing for rich and diverse perspectives to contribute to creativity and innovation in the West Midlands region and beyond.  

• We aim to do this by embedding equality, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of the cluster.  
• We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment which celebrates and harnesses the abilities of all individuals.  
• By prioritising EDI in every aspect of the cluster, we ensure that any new innovations, projects and collaborations not only advance CreaTech but also reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve.       
• We are committed to advancing inclusion by monitoring and updating our progress against the objectives set out in this framework.  

Objectives 

Objective 1: Foster an inclusive culture within the CreaTech Frontiers Cluster 

We will: 

• Ensure EDI principles are embedded across all cluster activities and collaborations 
• Ensure everyone involved feels empowered and able to contribute to the cluster. Everyone feels like their voice is heard 
• Ensure that applicants for our grants, internships and doctoral programmes have the support they need to make an application  
• Ensure CreaTech events and activities are inclusive and safe for all involved 

We will do this by: 

• Briefing all team members and staff on the EDI framework, and ensuring they have all undertaken EDI training 
• Providing training for assessment panel and review committee members on inclusive evaluation practices.   
• Actively recruiting and supporting people from underrepresented groups.  
• Ensuring the language and mechanisms for our application processes are clear, and that these processes are accessible with alternative formats offered if requested. 
• Ensuring that registration forms for all our events ask for dietary requirements and accessibility requirements. In particular, if BSL interpretation or other reasonable adjustments are needed, ensuring that plenty of time is built in to bring this support in. 

Objective 2: Advance EDI in CreaTech through our projects and research 

We will: 

• Through our grant awards and programmes, create new knowledge and innovations to address inequalities and systemic barriers in creative work 
• Widely disseminate our research and innovation to benefit as many diverse communities as possible 
• Bring through a new generation of diverse scholars and practitioners through our PhD scholarships and internships 

We will do this by: 

• Encouraging grant applications which address themes of EDI and sustainability 
• Actively seeking to recruit PhD candidates and interns from underrepresented backgrounds  
• Ensuring that assessment panels for all programmes are diverse, including individuals from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, genders, experiences, and expertise.   
• Disseminating our research and innovation through our partnerships, cultural institutions and the communities they are connected with, and regularly evaluating our methods for dissemination and public engagement.  

Objective 3: Evaluate and monitor EDI in the cluster and its projects 

We will:  

• Evaluate and monitor applicant data for grant and scholarship opportunities against protected characteristics 
• Ensure that team members and steering group members are diverse, including individuals from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, genders, lived experience, and expertise.   
• Take action where required to diversify the demographics of grant, doctoral and internship applicants 
• Ensure our EDI action plan is a live and relevant document and a framework for future best practice 
• Ensure the CreaTech Frontiers management team are accountable for EDI actions  

We will do this by: 

• Collecting and monitoring demographic data for each grant and scholarship call, identifying areas of over and underrepresentation, and taking appropriate actions to address that e.g. language, application process, advertising locations, etc. 
• Ensure that team members and steering group members complete an equal opportunities monitoring form to enable us to identify and address areas of underrepresentation  
• Evaluating and revising dissemination, advertising and marketing strategies to ensure our opportunities are reaching diverse audiences  
• Regularly measuring the impact of our activities and adjusting our strategies accordingly through reflective practice  
• Regularly review and update our EDI action plan in line with relevant good practice, research and developments 
• Performance against the EDI action plan will be reported regularly to UKRI and the CreaTech Steering Board.  

If you have any queries regarding equality, diversity and inclusion in CreaTech Frontiers please email karen.seaward-patel@bcu.ac.uk.