We have been working on a plan to ensure we confidently take forward actions needed to make the university a fairer and more inclusive space for everyone to work and study.
We intend that this plan, our EDI Framework 2023-2028, recognises and includes all of the many challenges we need to address and puts in place effective and meaningful action.
The current draft of our framework has been formed based on analysis of staff and student data, and from all the conversations we have been having with a range of different groups, where we also welcomed our student representatives. We have been hearing perspectives and collecting ideas about how to improve experiences.
Our draft plan includes the first version of our new EDI Guiding Principles. These, once finalised, will set what we see as the necessary foundation for conduct and culture; and describe what we, as a community of staff and students, feel is important to us.
It is crucial that we get our framework right. To achieve this, we need to have conversations with you and understand how you feel supported by the framework. We need to know what experiences we are missing so we can ensure everyone feels they are reflected in, and can relate to our Principles.
As a Senior Vice Principal at the university, I am deeply aware that we have a lot of work ahead of us to see the impact of our actions. But also to build trust. I still have a lot to learn, as do we all. But I commit to putting words into action. This is a whole-university approach where myself and all senior leaders at the university are committed to leading by example. We can see the challenges. We must be bold and purposeful in our approach to face them head-on. Please take the opportunity outlined below to feed into the Framework and be part of our work to create a fairer, more supportive community.
Tracy
Professor Tracy Bhamra
Senior Vice Principal (Student and Staff Experience)
You can find out how to get involved in our draft EDI Framework here.