This article examines equal opportunities polices (EOPs) in higher education - the supply side of senior staff in management and the professions. In the United Kingdom (UK) EOPs have been intro duced as a result of the law. The article shows that their effect on, access and employment in institutions of higher education (HEIs) has been marginal. The analysis suggests that the belief in the rhetoric of equality in the chariers of institutions, the notion of academic merit as an objective construct and the values underlying the exclusive prestige hierarchy all conoibute to complacent and reluctant managements. Evidence of the effectiveness of policies in Northern Ireland and initial teacher education (ITE) in the past support the need for a firmer legisladve framework. As evidence from data collection becomes available, the contradiction between rhetoric and, reality will cause increasing controversy in higher education.
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