Action Changes Things

Hello

Well, Pride is over for another year for us. Even the rain and wind couldn’t dampen spirits. There was some really good entertainment, and we made some useful contacts that we will follow up.

So here we are, mid- way through another week. Life at the university is just beginning to get back into its natural rhythm. Our students started back on Monday, and our Fresher’s Fayre is today. This year the Fayre is starting with a quiet hour; appreciating that for some students, Fresher’s can be a little overwhelming. Like others, I am keen to hear the feedback. The SU has organised quite a wide range of activities for Freshers. It has taken on board previous comments, and worked hard to tailor festivities to recognise the diversity of our student community. You can check out all its events here.  There are a number of activities where we’ll be working together across the year. I thought I’d share one this week.

Our new SU Welfare Officer, Phoebe is designing a Diversity Campaign to run during November. She attended our “Call to Action” Conference in the summer and, like many others, was inspired by our morning key note speakers. In fact, she was so enthused that she is planning a whole month of events and activities to raise awareness to, and celebrate diversity. By shinning a light on diversity, she hopes that we can start a conversation across our student community. Who knows where that might take us!

The month will try and highlight all protected characteristics, but is looking to have a specific focus on gender, disability, race and sexual orientation. If you have an event, or an idea for an event, that you would like included, Phoebe would love to hear from you. You can contact her at pcrook2@glos.ac.uk and keep updated on what’s happening via her Twitter @yoursuwelfare.

On the subject of our conference, another action has arisen out of it. A couple of external colleagues asked if the university would collaborate in setting up a diversity and inclusion network for private and public sector employers across Gloucestershire. How could I refuse?

Our first meeting is on Wednesday 3^rd October 2018, hosted at The Growth Hub between 9.45am – 12.00pm.

This initial meeting is really to determine whether there is interest in establishing a network. As an equality and diversity practitioner of more than 20 years, I really value networks. In many organisations where I have worked, I have been a unique postholder, or part of a very small team. Networks have always provided me with a forum to bounce ideas off, learn from others and share limited resources, both financial and human.

This Network has very similar aims. It is seeking to be a forum where employers

• Can share cross sector experience;

• Engage in collective problem sharing;

• Share best practice and relevant articles;

• Share facilities and organise joint events; and

• Publicise activities and events.

Perhaps one of its most valuable aims is the opportunity to connect potential mentees and mentors. If you are a regular follower of our blog, you will know that mentoring is something I champion.

If you are interested in attending this meeting, you can book a place via our Eventbrite page here .

If you have ideas on activities that we can get involved in, please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

You can keep up to date with the university’s diversity and inclusion work via our Twitter @UoGEquality.