Annual Report on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Verlag Barbara Budrich GmbH and Budrich Academic Press GmbH
For the Year 2024
1. Introduction
This report outlines our efforts to make our society more diverse, equitable, and inclusive—starting with our own companies: Verlag Barbara Budrich GmbH and Budrich Academic Press GmbH, referred to hereafter as the Budrich publishing houses. This is the first DEI report issued by our companies. It aims to define our current status quo while outlining our general strategy and goals for 2025.
The purpose of this DEI report is to assess where we currently stand and which areas we are already addressing. These areas—publishing programme, recruitment process, accessibility, and equality in the workplace—are explained in detail. We then look ahead to our objectives for 2025, discussing the specific outcomes we aim to achieve. In particular, we focus on the following topics:
- Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through active programming in relevant subject areas;
- Promoting inclusion by improving accessibility in line with, and beyond, the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG);
- Supporting freedom of expression and diversity of opinion;
- Raising awareness of our team’s own perspectives.
It should be noted that Managing Director Barbara Budrich bears primary responsibility for DEI within the company. A comparative review can only take place after the end of 2025.
Finally, this report presents a demographic overview of our team, examined through the lens of DEI categories. The report concludes with a summary and outlook.
2. DEI Baseline Assessment
The values and principles of the Budrich publishing houses include treating people equally regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual identity, and working to eliminate or prevent discrimination. These principles are also enshrined in Germany’s General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).
2.1 Publishing Programme
The Budrich publishing houses’ social science and educational publishing programmes focus on academic fields that frequently engage with DEI-related topics. Our five core disciplines are:
- Educational Science
- Gender Studies
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Sociology
An analysis of the books and journals published in 2023 and 2024 shows a steady engagement with DEI-relevant topics. Our goal remains to increase the proportion of publications with DEI-relevant themes.
2.2 Recruitment Process
We revised our multi-stage recruitment process to include elements of anonymisation and objectivity. Apart from essential requirements, other criteria are no longer considered at the initial selection stage. Interviews are now conducted by at least two people to address potential biases early on.
2.3 Accessibility in Digital Products
We have been actively working on accessibility in our digital products for many years. We are well prepared for the European Accessibility Act and aim to meet or exceed its requirements.
2.4 Equality in the Workplace
Our Code of Conduct serves as a framework for respectful collaboration. We support team members through flexible working hours, parental leave, caregiving responsibilities, and sabbaticals, within our capacity as a small business.
3. DEI Strategy, Goals and Governance
DEI Strategy and Goals
- Promoting DEI through active publishing in relevant subject areas;
- Promoting DEI through targeted author acquisition;
- Improving accessibility in accordance with and beyond the BFSG;
- Supporting freedom of expression and diversity of opinion;
- Raising awareness of our team’s own values and attitudes.
Governance and Responsibility
Managing Director Barbara Budrich is primarily responsible for DEI strategy, supported by Miriam von Maydell (Editorial and Production) and Karen Reinfeld (Marketing and Sales).
4. Progress and Initiatives
Achieved Milestones
This is our first DEI report; benchmarks will follow in future editions.
Inclusion Measures
Our publishing and author relations naturally involve many DEI-related issues. These are already widely discussed internally.
Support for Marginalised Groups
We use the gender asterisk (*) to express inclusivity and adopt gender-neutral forms of address for non-binary individuals.
5. Demographic Data
Due to our small team size, anonymised demographic reporting is limited. We report known criteria and age ranges only.
Changes Compared to the Previous Year
As this is our first DEI report, comparisons will begin in 2025.
6. Conclusion
We already embody openness and diversity in many areas. We now aim to make these efforts more visible and measurable, and to share our progress transparently with the public.
Get in Touch!
We warmly invite you to engage with us on the topic of sustainability and sustainable publishing. The DEI Annual report 2024 is one step on our shared journey.
Contact our sustainability officers: Daniela Witzki and Magdalena Lautenschlager