Darren Gray

Darren has been with The Open University since 2016, initially working as a project manager with the Assessment Programme. Since April 2018, he has served as a senior manager in Access, Participation, and Success (APS). In his role in APS, Darren has led the development of the Inclusive Curriculum Tool from its inception to the current plans for a seventh version. This tool helps the OU create a curriculum that reflects the diverse experiences and backgrounds of all students. To support this work, Darren managed a small team of students who reviewed the curriculum using the tool and provided feedback to improve it.

APS is responsible for writing the OU’s Access and Participation Plan (APP), which highlights the disparities in outcomes among different student groups and outlines a high-level approach to achieving greater equity. Darren has contributed to the APP and leads activities focused on inclusion.

Before joining the OU, Darren held various project management roles, delivering infrastructure to support the sustainable expansion of Milton Keynes. He also worked in community, youth, economic, and sports development.

Darren is passionate about sports and has played and coached American football, volleyball, football, and korfball. He mentors secondary school students and continues to coach sports at a local primary school. Additionally, Darren is a published poet, a former lead singer in a rock and rap band, and has recently written songs for other performers.

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