Inclusive writing guide
Inclusive writing is accessible and welcoming to everyone. It avoids using words, expressions or assumptions that could exclude or offend anyone.
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About this guidance
At the University of Bristol, we want to create an inclusive community where opportunities are open to all and diversity is valued. Writing inclusively is one part of this work. It reflects the importance of how our communications are received by others.
This guide is designed to help us write in a way that engages with our diverse community as inclusively as possible. It is based on research and ongoing consultation with staff and students.
The guidance has been designed as a resource for University staff to use when writing for general audiences. This may include internal communications, website copy and marketing materials. It is not intended for student work or academic writing.
Language evolves rapidly, so we will review this guide regularly. The guide is not intended to be exhaustive, and it is not a list of strict rules. Individuals may also prefer different language to what is suggested here. Instead of using this guide as a single source of truth, consider the principles of writing inclusively in all your work.
Many of these topics are interlinked. We recognise the complex issues around intersectionality (the way a person's various identities overlap, creating different systems of discrimination or privilege). However, for ease of use, we have grouped the content into sections.
Feedback
If you have any questions or suggestions about this guidance, email the Marketing team at marketing-team@bristol.ac.uk:
You can also feed back anonymously using this Microsoft Form.
Further information
- Find out more about good practice in equality and inclusion on our Student Inclusion and Staff Inclusion webpages.
- We have a responsibility to make sure that we do not put people at a disadvantage due to any protected characteristics.
- The gov.uk website has a list of protected characteristics.
- To find further information about behaviour that is not tolerated at the University, and report unacceptable behaviour, visit our pages for students or staff.
House style guide
For general writing guidance, including language use, punctuation, spelling and formatting, refer to the University's house style guide.