March 2025 committee updates

In the most recent CoSE Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee meeting at the beginning of March, we had insightful discussions about our current school and college EDI initiatives. Here's a summary of some of the key themes discussed:

1. The Respect Advisor Network

The CoSE EDI committee was joined by Katie Farell from the Equality, Diversity Unit (EDU) who shared the policy and framework that supports the Respect Advisor network. This network of roughly 40 volunteers, can be one of the resources that support colleagues when a report has been made through the staff reporting tool for harassment, bullying or sexual violence.

The Respect Advisers will:

provide a confidential, as appropriate, listening service for staff or students who think they may be being bullied or harassed
provide guidance, assistance and advise on the courses of action available
facilitate informal resolution in cases of harassment in line with the University's Dignity at Work and Study Policy
identify, and refer, serious allegations to the appropriate University authority.

2. School Updates: What went well?

Each EDI lead shared what has been going well in their school and a quick update of their school EDI committee’s progress.

3. Active Upstander Update

Updates on the Active Upstander trainings that have taken place and the upcoming session for all university colleagues hosted by Organisational Development were shared. Including the positive feedback from recent sessions and how to integrate the trainings into away days and other meetings. Discussion on feedback forms for participants, the committee selected questions to pose to participants following a completed training.

4. Raising the profile of the Parent Network

The committee reviewed the current Carers and Parent Forum and content from PGR Parent Padlet. The committee noted what a helpful resource the PGR Parent Padlet was for individuals new to Glasgow.