VHIR is firmly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion as strategic principles of the institution. This commitment is currently reflected in the implementation of the 4th Equality Plan (2025–2029) and the 1st Plan for Equal Opportunities and Non-Discrimination of LGTBIQA+ People (2025–2029).

Since the approval of its first Equality Plan, VHIR has worked continuously to promote equal opportunities, prevent all forms of discrimination and foster an organisational culture based on respect, equity and inclusion.

The new Equality Plan continues the work developed in previous editions and reinforces key areas such as equal opportunities in recruitment, promotion and professional development, work-life balance and co-responsibility, harassment prevention, inclusive communication, inclusive leadership, workplace wellbeing and the incorporation of a gender perspective into research.

VHIR’s commitment to sexual, affective and gender diversity has also evolved alongside its equality plans. Thus, towards the end of the period covered by the 3rd Equality Plan, a specific annex was incorporated with measures aimed at promoting equal opportunities and non-discrimination for LGTBIQA+ people, still within the same strategic framework. Once this plan came to an end, and as a result of the work carried out in this area in recent years, VHIR took a further step and approved two separate instruments for the 2025–2029 period: the 4th Equality Plan and the 1st Plan for Equal Opportunities and Non-Discrimination of LGTBIQA+ People. The latter, approved for the first time as an independent plan, strengthens and expands actions aimed at ensuring safe, inclusive working environments free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

The Equality Commission and specialised working groups continue to promote, monitor and evaluate the actions planned to move towards an increasingly diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation.