Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion): Professor Al Laville

About the role

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor Equity, Diversity and Inclusion works to create and enhance an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment for all at the OU, leading on EDI strategy, planning, targets, implementation, evaluation and learning.

This role provides expert advice on regulatory and legal requirements, including how our commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, appropriate behaviours and freedom of expression join up and work together effectively in our policies, processes and day-to-day work.

Al's background

Professor Al Laville is Pro-Vice-Chancellor Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at The Open University. In this role, he led the creation of the OU’s 2026–2031 EDI Strategic Plan and has transformed the EDI governance structures essential to its successful delivery. Al also oversees the University’s Access and Participation Plan, helping to improve outcomes for students.

He is co-author of the NHS England and LGBT Foundation LGBTQ+ Talking Therapies Positive Practice Guide (2024).

Al has received several awards for teaching excellence in diversity and inclusion, including the prestigious Advance HE National Teaching Fellowship in 2023. He also holds the Advance HE Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence for his leadership of decolonisation initiatives.