CoSTAR National Lab Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Framework
(updated January 2025)
COSTAR EDI POLICY & ACTION PLAN
The Policy & Action Plan lists the following objectives:
Ensure the programme is open to all and reaching the diversity of creative communities across the CoSTAR Network.
Ensure the staff and users of the CoSTAR Network represents or exceeds a representative proportion of participants from diverse backgrounds.
Make our commitment to ED&I visible and open to all, ensuring the full range of our communities feel welcomed and included.
Ensure monitoring is in place and that CoSTAR Network is held accountable for its ED&I aspirations.
PUBLIC STATEMENT
The CoSTAR Network includes:
The CoSTAR Network is a welcoming and supportive programme. Our goal is to innovate with and for the creative industries through inclusive, ethical and responsible uses of creative technology. We believe that diverse communities and collaborations make for better innovation, and more pleasant environments for all to take part. The CoSTAR Network is a safe and approachable space for everyone, regardless of background or status. All are welcomed to take part regardless of age, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, socio-economic background, (dis)ability (visible or hidden, physical or mental), sexuality, religion or belief. We will not tolerate discriminatory practices in our own work or in the work of those we support.
Representation matters to us. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the rich tapestry of our society. By championing diversity, we not only increase our competitiveness but also ensure that we are better equipped to tackle complex challenges and deliver comprehensive solutions.
We understand that attracting varied perspectives is essential for driving innovation and achieving success. That's why we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
We recognise that we may need to provide additional support to help reduce barriers to participating in CoSTAR Network events, funding strands, etc. Where we can see opportunities for additional support, we will always offer this, and we also ask that users of the CoSTAR National Lab let us know if they see opportunities for further support. We will always ask for and welcome feedback and ensure this shapes our future actions to make the CoSTAR Network truly inclusive and open to all.
If you would like to discuss your own needs, or highlight something we could do better to serve the community, we welcome all communication to the responsible person within each lab via the email below:
CoSTAR National Lab (costar@rhul.ac.uk)
EDI Representatives for each lab:
Realtime Lab, Edinburgh/Abertay - Nicola Osborne realtimelab@abertay.ac.uk
Live Lab, York – Dar’ya Guarnera. Contact: costarlivelab-admin@york.ac.uk
Screen Lab, Ulster – Karen Fleming. Contact: l.campbell2@ulster.ac.uk
Foresight Lab, BFI/Goldsmiths - Rishi Coupland. Contact: costarforesightlab@gold.ac.uk
We will handle all queries in confidence where needed and/or requested.
Responsibility for the CoSTAR programme’s compliance with legal duties associated with equality, diversity and inclusion, including the Equalities Act 2010, sits with each of the labs’ home institutions in which the delivery team is based.
This statement forms part of the CoSTAR Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan which is updated annually and available to read and download on the website.
PRINCIPLES
In line with UKRI’s vision that champions the integration of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in nurturing excellence in research and innovation, our EDI policy is integral to harnessing the best talent and fostering ground-breaking ideas. This approach is also a cornerstone of the CoSTAR National Lab as pivotal to intellectual advancement and socioeconomic development. We commit to these values in all our activities, ensuring that our efforts not only advance technological frontiers but also promote an inclusive, equitable, and diverse academic and professional community.
Our central vision is:
To create a thriving infrastructure where innovative technologies and workflows will drive the next generation of creative production in screen and performance, facilitating local, regional and national economic development in the creative industries.
Our EDI vision is:
To establish an inclusive and diverse environment where innovative technologies and workflows are developed through the rich perspectives of people with different experiences and from all backgrounds. We aim to foster a community that reflects the diversity of the society, where difference is valued and respected.
Our aim:
Our aim is to drive inclusive growth in research and innovation by rigorously embedding the principles of all our immersive and interactive technologies for screen and performance. We are committed to proactively advancing equality and inclusive practices by continuously monitoring and dynamically updating our progress against a robust strategy. This strategy acknowledges our unique position to influence change both internally within our organisation and externally alongside our partners and the broader society. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment that harnesses and celebrates the talents of all individuals. By prioritising EDI in every aspect of our work, we ensure that our new developments and collaborations not only advance technologically but also reflect and support the varied dimensions of the communities we serve.
Commitment:
The CoSTAR National Lab is committed to promoting an inclusive environment that reflects and respects the diversity of society. There is no one single benchmark that easily aligns to the work of CoSTAR, straddling as it does both commercial and public sector bodies, and an interdisciplinary research and production context. This research context spans Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Physical Sciences as well as the Social Sciences; whilst the production context spans film, television, games and live performance as both content and technology: with each sub-sector having very different employment and market contexts in terms of diversity.
Our commitment aligns with the BFI Inclusion Targets, set according to the proportionality of the UK’s working-age population as of April 2023. We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility in all our technologies, facilities, and resources. We champion universal design principles to accommodate the needs of all users and provide ongoing training and development opportunities focused on EDI to enhance awareness, sensitivity, and competence among all staff, set according to the proportionality of the UK’s working-age population as of April 2023. We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility in all our technologies, facilities, and resources. We champion universal design principles to accommodate the needs of all users and provide ongoing training and development opportunities focused on EDI to enhance awareness, sensitivity, and competence among all staff.
We actively recruit and support staff and researchers from underrepresented groups. The CoSTAR National Lab aspires to meet the annual diversity targets established by the BFI in line with population (UK Census 2021 England Wales & Northern Ireland, 2022 Scotland). CoSTAR Network Labs will set their own targets appropriately in line with regional populations and equality legislation in those regions.
18% of our team identifying as disabled
30% identifying as ethnically diverse (outside London)
A 50-50 gender balance within the gender binary
10% identifying as LGBTQIA+, including those outside the gender binary
39% from a working-class background (ref gov.uk for definition)
Whilst this is a long-term goal, the CoSTAR Network recruits in the context of a tech industry whose make-up is far from reflective of the diversity of the UK population and that diverse representation amongst staff and participants is initially likely to be more in line with baseline data for the technology sector, academia and the creative sector which reports current diversity at far lower levels.
Our approach includes transparent communication about our aims and the adoption of best practices in engagement. To continually refine and enhance our EDI efforts, we will undertake new research and draw on existing studies to improve our policies and strategies. This approach includes regular reviews of our targets based on evidence gathered, allowing us to adjust our strategies and take positive action to achieve better results.
Understanding and addressing intersectionality across our identified categories is also a priority, ensuring that our lab remains at the forefront of inclusivity and diversity within the industry. This commitment not only advances our mission to drive the next generation of screen and performance experiences but also reinforces our position as a leader in creating an equitable and dynamic creative sector.
KEY OBJECTIVES
Promoting EDI is reflected in our concrete objectives designed to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all. By building on existing partnerships and developing new ones, we aim to reach diverse communities and prioritise collaborations that highlight our EDI policy to strengthen our communities, industries, charities, and teams.
Achieving an inclusive organisational culture: promote an environment where dignity, respect, and care are foundational, ensuring every individual feels valued, heard, and supported. Encouraging everyone involved in our work to understand our EDI policy to strengthen the work we produce and the impact we can make in our communities, industries, and wider society.
Eliminating barriers and systemic inequalities: actively work to identify and reduce barriers to access our resources and services, relying on evidence-based research and comprehensive consultations to guide these efforts. We will ensure all our work is genuinely accessible and open to all. We will also design initiatives that actively involve our target participants, ensuring we listen to and learn from their experiences and insights.
Continuous performance evaluation: regularly measure the impact of our actions and adjust our strategies through reflective practice to reach our goals of inclusivity. We will ensure that there is an ongoing opportunity for feedback – and for the team to reflect on this feedback and our own approach - from those we work with in a culture of safety for comment and critical perspectives that facilitates sharing of any challenges, concerns, as well as the contribution of new ideas or approaches.
Integrating EDI in collaborations: All our collaborations must align with CoSTAR’s EDI policy and values. We seek to align and embed the strategy to encompass best practice, including adopting industry standards and targets to ensure that all partnerships and collaborations implement EDI values and practices, making them central to our shared objectives and operations.
Enhancing accessibility and engagement: continuously improve the accessibility of our facilities, technologies, events, content and services, ensuring they are user-friendly for diverse populations and actively promote engagement from underrepresented groups.
Advocacy and leadership in EDI: position ourselves as leaders and advocates for EDI, understanding, acting upon successes and failures from our own work, building upon the best practice work of others, and influencing wider practices and policies within our industry and beyond.
These objectives not only underline our commitment to a transformative approach towards EDI but are also intended to ensure that our actions have a profound and positive impact on the communities and industries we serve.
EDI is integrated into CoSTAR National Lab Executive and Management Board. The CoSTAR Network Board will provide a forum for strategic alignment of policies across the network and how the National Lab's policy is delivered through the PPP and E&C Access Programmes. We will regularly review representation on our advisory boards and assessment panels and aim to achieve balance across gender, socioeconomic and educational background, ethnicity, disability, and regional diversity.
Strategic Objectives: Recruitment and retention: develop targeted recruitment strategies to attract applicants from underrepresented groups. Implement supportive structures and mentorship programs to retain and promote diverse talent.
Develop an inclusive culture in our research and collaborations: Ensure that all research and collaborative projects reflect our EDI values by incorporating diverse perspectives and addressing topics that include and benefit a wide array of communities. Set targets for the delivery of outcomes related to inclusive innovation. Cultivate an environment where all individuals feel safe, valued, and motivated to contribute their best. This includes zero tolerance for discrimination, regular EDI training, and open channels for feedback and discussions about inclusivity.
Community engagement: We will actively seek to include a diverse range of people and perspectives by extending our efforts to engage with diverse local, regional and national communities to encourage and nurture participation in creative technologies and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) fields that underpin converged media.
Monitoring and evaluation: We will regularly review and publicly report on progress towards meeting our EDI targets. We will adjust strategies as necessary to enhance effectiveness and meet evolving EDI goals without losing sight of the importance of real impact rather than being purely metrics driven.
Accessibility and usability: Ensure our innovation and research approach includes and centres a diverse range of users. Ensure that innovative technologies and products developed by CoSTAR National Lab are accessible to a diverse range of users, including those with disabilities, by embedding accessibility criteria throughout the ideation, design and testing phases.
AN ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
The CoSTAR Network’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy & Action Plan will articulate our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion as a publicly funded infrastructure project operating across the UK and Northern Ireland. Our approach is framed by the communities around us, as well as being mindful of both local and global inequalities. We clearly set out how we aim to ensure we are taking an equal and inclusive approach and include our annual EDI Action Plan to hold us to account.
The document includes our Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion Statement (which is also published on the CoSTAR Network website at: www.costarnetwork.co.uk) which summarises our values as a programme in a clear public statement of intent. We welcome feedback on our approach. Please feel free to email the National Lab if you have any comments or want to get in touch at the following email: costar@rhul.ac.uk.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
Here we set out the monitoring and evaluation framework for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) activities across the National and Network labs.
Each of the labs and their home organisation publishes its own EDI aims, priorities, actions, accountability and reporting. Each year we will publish a more in-depth report where we introduce the organisations and refer to their self-stated objectives and targets. Whilst the CoSTAR Network has its own agreed data collection methods and activities as part of the monitoring and benchmarking practices for the AHRC as funder, individual labs may have their own reasons for collecting specific data for demographic reasons/to fulfil equality obligations. Whilst we share common EDI values and wishes to be inclusive in its approach, each CoSTAR lab operates independently and thus also sits within the bounds of its own institutional requirements and regional context.
As a national network we aim to effect change in partnership with collaborators and beneficiaries of projects funded by CoSTAR to address persistent exclusions within the creative industries and the creative technology sector.
All of this is placed in the context of wider EDI activities as we use the CoSTAR network’s research and expertise to expand upon the evidence and knowledge already circulating in the Creative Industries and understand more about new forms of inclusion and exclusion brought about by emerging technologies.
We measure success against the annual EDI Action Plan in relation to both internal culture measures and on our external R&D projects with users of the COSTAR Network facilities. We will collect and report publicly and to our primary funder, the AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council), on diversity metrics including:
Diversity of staff at CoSTAR National Lab and the staff of each Network Lab across key protected characteristics, as appropriate and in compliance with GDPR.
Industry users of the CoSTAR National Lab – data will be collected on the diversity of project teams, companies and key participants across a range of measures.
Enterprise & Commercialisation programmes will monitor diversity across its range of participants.
Research outputs of our funded calls (Pilots and Prototypes Programme) related to social impact.
All data will always be reported in anonymised and aggregated form, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.
COSTAR ETHICS STATEMENT
CoSTAR’s Ethics Policy will be published separately here shortly.
The CoSTAR Ethics Statement has been created to capture the programme’s position on the values and priorities for the work we undertake and support, and forms part of our work to encourage best practices and thoughtful reflection on work with data and new technologies in the creative industries. This statement provides guidance for those working in and around the creative industries, or with data more broadly in a creative context, and should be used as a tool for reflection with prompts to consider, document, and review approaches and practices, and to encourage positive engagement with legal and societal responsibilities. The authors are publishing this work openly as we welcome reuse and remixing of the Ethics Statement and welcome questions or comments that may feed into future iterations and best practices.
DATA ETHICS/ ETHICAL/INCLUSIVE/RESPONSIBLE AI
At CoSTAR we are deeply committed to advancing ethical AI within the creative industries. Our approach is founded on the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability. We believe that AI technologies should enhance creativity and innovation while respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals. To this end, we rigorously evaluate our AI systems to ensure that we understand and minimise any potential for bias and that they operate in an inclusive manner. Our commitment is to harness the power of AI in a responsible and trustworthy way, to ensure its use and wider adoption is to the benefit of the creative industries.
DIGITAL INCLUSION
At CoSTAR National Lab, we are steadfast in our commitment to digital media inclusion within the creative industries. We believe that equal representation, access and inclusion in digital media—spanning screen-based and performance technologies—is essential for fostering a diverse and vibrant creative landscape. Our mission is to ensure that all voices, regardless of background, are heard and valued in the digital realm. We actively work to break down barriers to entry and provide opportunities for underrepresented groups to thrive and aim to ensure that all our digital media communications are accessible. If you have feedback or feel we fall short of this standard, please let us know. Contact: costar@rhul.ac.uk.
COSTAR NATIONAL LAB ACCESS PROGRAMMES
Across our industry calls and access programmes, Prototypes and Pilots (PPP), and our Enterprise and Commercialisation (E&C) work we aim to support users of the CoSTAR Network to set new standards around EDI in emerging technologies and embed inclusive innovation in practice.
We support inclusive approaches to participation in funded R&D and the enterprise and investment landscape. Our programmes are concerned not just with the inclusivity of the technologies being developed but are also concerned with who is supported to participate in R&D, the types of investors being 'invited into the room' and the types of ventures being invested in.
There are criteria related to EDI which we will ask potential participants, industry partners and users of the lab to detail in their application and in their project reporting. These are funding requirements and will be discussed, monitored and supported by our programme team throughout the project to assist in delivery on these commitments.
OUR COMMITMENTS
The regulatory commitments and EDI reporting for the CoSTAR Network sit within the following context:
UK institutions in receipt of public funding we are obliged to comply with the Equality Act 2010 to publish our EDI Strategy. Read more about the Equality Act 2010.
As a requirement of the funder we must deliver an EDI framework and action plan and meet regular reporting requirements. As part of the delivery of this we will report quarterly on all EDI activity. As part of the delivery of this we will be reporting all EDI activity in a quarterly report. This will include capture of EDI data on industry facing Access Programmes and the ways in which inclusion is embedded in our research programmes.
We set an ambition to hold ourselves to the highest standards for inclusion. This extends to the way we conduct all our dealings as the CoSTAR Network, in our workplace culture and in support of the work with our industry partners and lab users. Our goal is to embed principles of inclusive innovation throughout all our research programmes and dedicate research and industry facing activity to EDI themes aimed at improving access, accessibility and bias in technology.
OUR GOALS
To conduct research that makes the experience of convergent screen and performance technology more inclusive for all audiences and users, and improves representation, with a specific focus on marginalised groups.
To support the delivery of creative technologies and tools that support greater access for people working in creative industries and do not create further barriers to inclusion.
To deliver this within an infrastructure which is fit for a future creative industry that values diversity and inclusion for its commercial and societal value.
ASSESSMENT PRINCIPLES
CoSTAR National Lab will apply principles of inclusion to all industry-facing funding calls (Pilots and Prototypes) and its Enterprise and Commercialisation activity.
INCLUSIVE FUNDING & PARTICIPATION CALLS
Language and Communication: Ensure all communication materials for participation and funding calls use inclusive language and are accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Seek clear and measurable commitments from industry partners and users of the National Lab in relation to EDI. Issue a proportion of calls for innovation directly targeted at societal impact or responding to challenges and opportunities related to EDI.
Provide information in appropriate accessible and alternative formats to accommodate different needs. In addition, we will provide additional reasonable adjustments for applicants needing them.
We will try to avoid deadlines for calls and funded activities during school holidays/ religious holidays and times when certain communities may find it difficult to make time for submission/participate in programmes.
DIVERSE REVIEW COMMITTEES
Establish diverse assessment panels and review committees to evaluate all applications for funding and programme participation, including individuals from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, genders, experiences, and expertise.
Provide training for assessment panel and review committee members on inclusive evaluation practices.
Ensure panels are briefed on EDI criteria for marking. Instruct decision-makers/chair on all participation and funding calls to check the balance of those short-listed for funding against inclusive criteria before a final decision is made. Panels will not have access to protected characteristics of applicants as EDI monitoring data is collected via a separate form for privacy reasons, but application forms will ask about participants’ experience, interest in and intentions of delivering inclusive innovations, and their interest in further engagement.
TRANSPARENT EVALUATION CRITERIA
Clearly define evaluation criteria for funding and programme participation applications ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Provide guidance to applicants in need of reasonable adjustments on how to access support with their submissions.
At the initial application stage potential participants will be asked to identify areas of interest, experience and expertise related to access, diversity and inclusion and to expand further on these areas if shortlisted. Our approach is supportive, and industry led but all projects/companies should be able to demonstrate their commitment to social impact in the work they undertake with the CoSTAR Network.
ENGAGEMENT, OUTREACH AND PROMOTION
Use a variety of channels to promote funding and programme participation calls and reach a diverse audience.
Collaborate with community organisations and networks to ensure marginalised communities are aware of funding opportunities.
Ensure promotional material is fully accessible (alt text, closed captions, clear language, colour/contrast choices etc)
TECHNOLOGY
Assess any technology systems used in the funding and application process to ensure accessibility of application systems and offer alternatives where appropriate.
Map regional engagement data and consider the most appropriate way to assess and visualise other key EDI factors including social deprivation, key protected characteristics etc.
COLLECTION OF EDI DATA FROM USERS OF THE COSTAR NETWORK
The CoSTAR Network commits to UKRI’s principles of longitudinal data collection to consistently monitor funding trends and users of the facility over the lifecycle of the CoSTAR as a funded infrastructure project in receipt of public funding. All data will be stored Network securely and in line with Data Protection requirements and best practices.
We seek to collect EDI Monitoring data on all applicants, participants and users of the CoSTAR Network at the point of engagement. Whilst all participants and users will be asked about their diversity characteristics, these will always be optional questions so that no individual is obliged to give sensitive information.
All participants in our dedicated access programmes will be asked to share sensitive EDI data about the key personnel who will be working on their project. This will be captured via a third-party system in compliance with our data privacy policy. In addition, companies will be asked if they have an EDI Policy and asked to provide this. If they do not have one, we will develop tools and advice to support participant companies to develop one.
If you have any general questions about our CoSTAR National Lab Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Framework, please contact costar@rhul.ac.uk.