June 2025 – Report- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDI Committee), formerly known as the Gender Equality Forum (GEF), has formally transitioned to its new name and scope. This change reflects an expanded mandate to promote inclusive practices and advance equality and diversity across all ESRS activities and governance structures.Â
A Call for Members to join the EDI Committee remained open until 30 May 2025. By the close of the call, eleven applications had been received. The committee aim to broaden and diversify the current committee to better reflect ESRS membership .
Over the past year, the committee, building on foundational actions initiated under the GEF, has worked to identify structural gaps and support inclusive participation. Under the GEF, a membership-wide survey was conducted to assess current needs and inform future priorities. In response to the findings, GEF introduced a Childcare Support Grant to facilitate congress attendance for members with caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, the development of a members’ database was initiated to support broader representation of speakers at ESRS events, an effort now being further developed and continued by the EDI Committee.Â
Within the framework of Sleep Europe, the EDI Committee continues to contribute actively to programme development, for example by providing equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) recommendations to the Scientific Committee for consideration in the call for symposia and seminar proposals. Among the committee’s recent initiatives, a proposal for an ESRS Book Club was presented and received approval to move forward.Â
The EDI Committee also maintains representation across ESRS structures to foster integration and shared priorities. A designated representative currently sits on the Digital and Communication Committee (DCC), ensuring that EDI perspectives are reflected in outreach strategies and public engagement activities.Â
Looking ahead, the committee’s longer-term priorities include the creation of a comprehensive EDI policy for ESRS, the development of a code of conduct for congresses, further contributions to Sleep Europe planning, additional surveys across the ESRS and ANSS communities, and ongoing collaboration with the Early Career Network (ECN).Â
Lastly, a database is under consideration to allow early career members to indicate their interest in contributing to ESRS activities, including scientific presentations and committee involvement. This may be integrated into the membership renewal process to facilitate closer engagement with the work of the EDI Committee.Â
Fran Pilkington-Cheney, Chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee