Equality and Diversity
ATHENA SWAN INTRODUCING OUR DEAN FOR EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY Equality, diversity and inclusion remain high on our agenda for 2014 and beyond. Our first Dean for Equality and Diversity has been appointed to lead the University strategy in relation to equality and diversity and act as a champion for equality and diversity initiatives. Professor Catherine Alexander (Anthropology) took up her post in October. THE EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY TEAM In addition to the appointment of the Dean and led by our Equality and Diversity Manager (Sarah Winship), a full time Equality and Diversity Assistant (Louise Wright) and an Equality and Diversity Officer/Trainer (Michelle Taylor) have been appointed. Michelle will be developing and delivering a new training programme to help us highlight and acknowledge the more subtle cultural barriers to equality within the workplace. For details of workshops currently available go to www.durham.ac.uk/ training.course/diversity To discuss specific equality and diversity training requirements, please contact michelle.taylor@durham.ac.uk IMAGE (L-R): Meet the Team - Michelle, Professor Tom Ward (Equality and Diversity UEC Sponsor), Catherine, Sarah and Louise
WOMEN AND SENIOR ROLES As part of our commitment to address under-representation of women in senior roles, the University has chosen to participate in the Leadership Foundation’s inaugural Aurora Programme. Scheduled to begin in the 2013/14 academic year, the women-only programme is aimed at all women up to senior lecturer level, to enable them to develop leadership skills and strategies. A place has been allocated to each faculty with nominations received from Heads of Departments. There will also be one member of staff from Professional Support Services participating in the programme. In 2013, informal networks were introduced to support women in academia such as the Senior Women’s Group and the Inspiring Women’s Network. These network events are very well attended and will continue in 2014. A joint initiative with Newcastle University will be supporting senior female academics to develop and enhance mentoring skills. Six senior female academics have agreed to participate in this programme. In April we are hosting a conference in collaboration with Newcastle University, ‘Women and Change in Higher Education: culture and careers’. The conference is open to academic and professional services staff, and those interested in women’s progression and equality. It will serve as an opportunity to explore the latest policy, information and research relating to women’s participation, discuss strategic, practical and sustainable ways of supporting and developing women working in Higher Education; consider the challenges and opportunities faced by women and consider how we might change culture in Higher Education. For details go to: www.durham.ac.uk/diversity.equality/womanandchange
This charter recognises and celebrates good employment practice for women working in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) in Higher Education. Psychology successfully applied for an Athena Swan Silver Departmental Award in 2013. The School for Medicine Pharmacy and Health has also submitted a Silver application. All other Science departments have made a commitment to apply for at least a Bronze Award by November 2015. The Equality Challenge Unit is also piloting a charter mark which will extend the principles of Athena Swan. Anthropology and Geography have been accepted on to the trial and will be sharing their experiences with other departments in the faculties of Social Sciences & Health and Arts & Humanities.
ACCREDITATION SUCCESS We were awarded two accreditations in 2013. Two Ticks positive about disabled people, identifies the University as an employer who has agreed to meet five commitments regarding the recruitment, employment, retention and career development of disabled people. Stonewall Diversity Champion celebrates the University’s clear commitment to working to support lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. The Diversity Champion programme promotes a good working environment for all existing and potential staff and students and helps to ensure equal treatment for those who are lesbian, gay or bisexual.