British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies

Statement of Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (BSECS) seeks to create and support a diverse and inclusive community of researchers and scholars from all sections of society.

Our legal requirement to ensure that no individual is treated less favourably based on their protected characteristics of equality is written into our constitution. By joining BSECS and/or become an executive officer of the the Society, individuals also make a commitment to treat other members, colleagues and associates with dignity and respect, irrespective of their background, identity and characteristics. These characteristics may include (but are not limited to) age, disability, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion and sexual orientation.

BSECS also commits to academic representation that encourages further engagement of scholars from diverse institutions and disciplines. This fosters stronger links with small, medium size and bigger institutions. It also means that the Society will ensure that a wide range of disciplines are fully represented within the membership and the executive committee.

BSECS strives to create a fully inclusive community of scholarship that represents all those interested in eighteenth-century studies. This means that the Society must be fair and transparent in its support for:

• researchers and scholars working in a full range of relevant academic disciplines;
• researchers and scholars regardless of professional status (from postgraduate students to senior academics, as well as those without academic appointments);
• researchers and scholars working throughout the United Kingdom and, where relevant, internationally.

BSECS understands the importance of gender-inclusive language, and so we encourage members to adopt gender-neutral language in all Society-associated documentation, and at Society-sponsored meetings, workshops, and conferences.

BSECS affirms that differences are to be not only to be respected, but also embraced. For this reason, the Society makes the following commitments:

• Actively to promote equality of opportunity for all within the Society and, as far as possible, within eighteenth-century studies more widely;
• To ensure that the decision-making processes of the Society’s executive officers are fair and transparent;
• To be vigilant in identifying, and prompt in addressing, any actions by the Society’s members or Officers that undermine dignity and respect (such as harassment and victimisation).

BSECS Executive Committee, 7 December 2017

Last updated 2022