Invitation to tender: Research investigating Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Philosophy in the UK

The British Philosophical Association (BPA) is inviting tenders to conduct research into the provision and experience of Philosophy in Schools, FE and HE in the UK. The research will generate and analyse data on demographics and taught provision in Philosophy in the UK to assess the strengths and weaknesses in the promotion of EDI in the discipline.

The invitation to tender is addressed to experienced research teams with a good track record in qualitative and quantitative research. Experience of research in EDI is desirable.

The closing date for tenders is Thursday 6 April 2023.

Objectives and scope of the research:

• To determine the demographics (including gender, race, ethnicity, class and disability) of those studying philosophy A-level, Highers, and International Baccalaureate (i.e. post-16), and undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students and staff (at all levels) in Philosophy in the UK.
• To investigate the experience of and attitudes towards the study and teaching of philosophy in all the above groups using quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• To understand if and how post-16 and undergraduate and postgraduate syllabuses in Philosophy shape perceptions of the discipline concerning equality and diversity.
• To identify the potential barriers to study of philosophy for under-represented groups in the UK.
• To identify potential strategies for improving diversity and inclusion in the discipline in the UK.
• To make recommendations for further, more detailed research studies on particular EDI issues in Philosophy in the UK

The successful bidders will report to and liaise with the BPA EDI sub-committee throughout.

Applications should include:

1. i) a tender document (no longer than 10 pages) with details on how the research will be undertaken within the budget; the proposed research methodologies, outlining timescales and how any potential challenges will be addressed; and an ethics statement concerning the ensuring of anonymity and informed consent for use of qualitative data.
2. ii) the CVs of all proposed researchers.

iii) A letter of support from the University or other employing organisation of the researchers, if applicable.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Stella Sandford, S.Sandford@Kingston.ac.uk  Applications should be submitted to Stella Sandford, S.Sandford@Kingston.ac.uk, copied to admin@bpa.ac.uk. 

It is expected that the research will be completed and a report submitted by the end of June 2024 (once appointed an early meeting with the successful tenderer will confirm final timeline for delivery). Although the final report and data will be owned by the BPA all researchers will be acknowledged and the data made available for public use.

Advert information