The University aims to provide a working and learning environment which is fair, welcoming and inclusive and where staff and students can fulfil their potential. The establishment of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champions in each department is an important initiative for the University in support of this aim. The Equality and Diversity Office works closely with the network of Equality Champions to support them in their role.
Each department has the freedom to decide who will take on the role of Equality Champion within their department. For example, this could be the Chair of a departmental ED&I groups/committee or a separate individual tasked with supporting the ED&I agenda within their department. Departments may have more than one Equality Champion if they wish.
The day-to-day role of an Equality Champion is to:
Complete the tasks outlined in the minimum requirements spreadsheet for the relevant month.
Engage with the Equality and Diversity Office as required to assist with any additional initiatives and activities.
Be a visible ally in their department and respond to ED&I queries as appropriate, including escalating issues via appropriate channels.
To carry out the function of an Equality Champion you should:
Have an interest in, and commitment to, advancing equality, diversity and inclusion within your department and, where appropriate, across the University.
Be familiar with how to access or get advice on relevant policies, procedures and legislation.
Be a visible and proactive Champion of ED&I within your department.
Example: Complete the tasks outlined in the minimum requirements spreadsheet each month. Attending relevant training and Equality Champion Network Meetings as necessary. Raise ED&I considerations in departmental meetings and discussions. Sign-post staff/students to the relevant policy/procedure on the Equality Office webpages, e.g. those relating to dealing with harassment and misconduct issues (Dignity at Work and Study Policy).
Embed ED&I within your area by ensuring that your department is made aware of, celebrates, and promotes key equality, diversity and inclusivity days, issues and best practice, via team meetings and through other forms of communication.
Example: circulate and raise awareness of particular ED&I activities, policies, updates, procedures and guidance shared by the Equality Office and within the Champions Network, in your department to help inform ED&I activities at a local level e.g. promoting uptake of equality monitoring for staff; making people aware of changes to an ED&I policy/procedure etc; circulate any relevant news coming out of EDIC within your department.
Feed in to broader cultural change & raise awareness of ED&I issues through engagement with the Equality Champion Network, staff networks, the E&D Office, and other relevant ED&I structures/groups, such as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC).
Example: review the termly draft Equality Champions’ update that is presented to EDIC, make comments/suggestions, and raise any relevant additional ED&I issues; contribute to the work of the Champions’ Network e.g. developing case studies that highlight good ED&I practice, share experiences at a local level and raise any relevant ED&I issues with the wider network.
Liaising with other ED&I allies within your department who are involved in key ED&I initiatives, in order to provide mutual support, ensure a joined-up approach and to provide an opportunity for learning across all areas of ED&I.
Example: Regularly liaise with other ED&I key contacts in your area, such as your departmental Athena Swan contact, disability contacts and other allies, perhaps via an ED&I group or committee, to ensure a joined-up approach is taken.
*Please note that the specific examples given here are not exhaustive and Equality Champions may undertake additional activities as required.