On Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: a position paper by RLUK’s Special Collections and Heritage Network

Context

This position paper is the result of a series of conversations that RLUK’s Special Collections and Heritage Network (SCHN) held between September 2023-March 2024 with the aim of drawing a set of objectives around equity, diversity, and inclusion to which they can collectively commit. The SCHN is a professional peer network for RLUK members leading cultural heritage activities that harnesses collective expertise to support the RLUK strategy through collaborative work programs.

As RLUK works in 2025 to renew its strategy for 2026 and beyond, this paper acts as a challenge to further embed EDI issues, especially around special collections and heritage collections, both in RLUK’s activities and in those of its individual members.  We present this paper as an input in the process to develop a new RLUK strategy, advocating for a more ambitious approach to EDI. 

Preamble

In recent years, efforts by Special Collections and Heritage institutions to apply equity, diversity, and inclusion principles to collections and professional practices and processes have intensified. However, we recognise that these institutions have been  inherently non-neutral, historically silencing and marginalising communities in exclusionary environments. Untold chapters lie forgotten, voices unheard, and narratives erased.

As a network, we call for equity, inclusion, and the celebration of diversity, demanding respect, tolerance, and shared understanding. Our vision is to actively seek and embrace narratives of marginalised communities, reshape power structures, and champion silenced voices, ensuring our institutions serve as vibrant platforms for inclusivity.

This is not merely a matter of collecting objects; it is a change of hearts and minds, a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion that ensures the records of our past resonate with the richness of our shared humanity.

As a network, we recognise and share examples of good practice towards greater equity and inclusion. In recognising that we still have much more to do, we look to RLUK members to commit to the following objectives.

Objectives 

Objective 1: Leadership

We commit to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion as core principles. We will amplify marginalised voices, prioritise their needs, and co-create solutions with diverse communities.

Objective 2: Collections

Acknowledging complex acquisition histories, we will address historical injustices transparently and respectfully. Inclusive practices will guide our cataloguing and collections management, ensuring diverse voices are represented.

Objective 3: Staff and Workforce

We strive for workforces that measurably reflect our diverse audiences. To ensure diverse perspectives in our institutions, inclusive recruitment, fair employment practices, and volunteer support will be prioritised.

Objective 4: Audience and Engagement

We will centre our efforts on understanding and engaging with diverse audiences, removing barriers to access when possible, and embedding co-curation practices to amplify marginalised voices.

Objective 5: Discovery and Re-use

We will ensure equitable access to collections, encourage reuse, and promote transparency in intellectual property and digitisation, facilitating open access where possible.

How these objectives could be applied