Equality groups
At the University we have a number of groups to help shape our equality policy and contribute towards making the University a better and more equal place to work and study.
Some of the groups are formal, such as the Equality and Diversity Committee, and have representation from all the Faculties and Departments (nominated by their Dean or Director). Others are less formal and are made up of volunteers who have an interest in that particular equality strand although staff are encouraged to consult with their line manager before volunteering. All groups have representation from the Students' Union.
The groups tend to meet over lunch time to avoid clashes with teaching. More information about each group can be found below:
» Equality and Diversity Committee (EDC)
The EDC reports to the Corporate Management Team and Governing Council and is the main forum for discussing our strategic equality and diversity goals. The committee monitors the University's progress in meeting its equality targets (which are set out in the Equality Scheme and Action Plan) through its annual report. Each Faculty and Department has a representative on the committee. The Governing Council, students, students union and the trades unions also have representatives on the committee
If you have any issues that you would like to raise at the committee, you should contact your Faculty/Department representative. If you would like more information on the EDC, please contact Nicola Adler ext 01332 591440
The EDC has three subgroups:
» Disability Co-ordinators Group (DCG)
The DCG is a subgroup of the Equality and Diversity Committee and has representation from all Faculties and Departments (Disability Co-ordinators). Students are represented by the UDSU and the Disabled Students Group. The group discusses disability issues for staff and students at the University. Recent agenda items have included student support plans, personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs), the University's training matrix and the University's admissions policy. The group's action plan feeds into the University's Equality Scheme and Action Plan.
The group has a budget which staff can bid for funds via their Disability Co-ordinator. Recent successful bids have been for small research projects and funding a disabled students conference which fulfilled our consultation duties under the Equality Act. The DCG does not pay for IT equipment, software or furniture as this cost should be met by the relevant Faculty or Department.
If you would like any further information on the work of the Disability Co-ordinators Group, please contact Nicola Adler on 01332 591440.
» Race Equality Group (REG)
The REG is a subgroup of the EDC and is made up of volunteers from staff with an interest in race equality. It also has student union representation. The group discusses race equality issues for staff and students at the University. The group discusses race equality issues for staff and students at the University.
The REG has a small budget to support and promote race equality at the University. The group decides on how the budget should best be spent and so far projects have included:
- Hosting a Diwali celebration each year in the atriums
- Contributing to the University's diversity week
- Providing Race Relations Amendment Act training to its members
- Sponsoring Derby wide Black History Month events
- Sponsoring Student Union events ie Black History Month, Urban Asia, Holocaust Memorial Day, Chinese New Year and Love Music Hate Racism events
If you are a member of staff and are interested in joining the group, please contact Jasmin Bola on 01332 591270
» Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Action Group
The LGBT Action Group is a subgroup of the Equality and Diversity Committee (EDC) and is made up of volunteers from staff with an interest in this subject. It also has student representation through UDSU elected officers. If any member of staff is interested in joining the group, they should contact Nicola Adler on 01332 591440.
The LGBT Action Group has a small budget to support and promote LGBT equality at the University. The group has been very proactive in its short lifecycle and the successes of the group have included:
- Inputting on the University's Equality Scheme and Action Plan
- Being instrumental in helping the University to becoming a Stonewall Diversity Champion
- Raising the Rainbow Flag on the University site to raise awareness of the International Day Against Homophobia and gay History Month
- Providing funding for Derby Pride and Derbyshire Rainbow Fringe Festival events
- Ensuring there are gender neutral toilets on site
- Helping to produce a Policy and Procedure for Supporting Transgender Staff
» Faculty and Department Equality Groups
The groups below provide a two way channel of communication between the Faculties/Departments and the Equality and Diversity Committee. The groups also discuss equality and diversity issues relevant to their individual Faculties and Departments. Most groups have staff and student representation. For more information, please contact the relevant chairperson:
» Disabled Staff Consultation Group
The Disabled Staff Consultation Group tends to meet three or four times a year on an ad hoc basis. It is for employees who have an interest in disablity equality. The forum helps us to gather information on disability issues at the University and also enables us to consult on new policies, procedures and strategies and how they might impact on disabled employees and students. The group has a rolling action list where issues are passed to the relevant Faculty or Department for feedback/action.
If you would like to join the group or would like further information about its activities, please contact Nicola Adler on 01332 591440.
Please note that there is a similar group for students. Please contact the Disabled Students Officer in the Students' Union for more information.
