College of Science & Engineering

College of Medical Veterinary & Life Science's Dynamic Approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

 By Keilly MacDonald

 The College of MVLS continues to embed EDI into core College business and successfully implemented a number of new initiatives during the last academic period. Prof Lubna Nasir, Chair of the College Equality Inclusion and Diversity Committee (CEIDC), sits on the College Management Group (CMG) therefore ensuring EDI is considered during College decision-making processes and allowing any issues to be raised. Prof Nasir has facilitated training for CMG members utilising the wealth of skills, knowledge and experience of College staff working on EDI projects. This innovative approach has given staff the opportunity to be recognised by CMG for their contribution to EDI and has proven to be very successful.

A budget for EDI activities has been made available by the College as part of its commitment to EDI with a proportion allocated to supporting open calls for specific events and projects that would be of benefit across the College. To date, there have been three calls for funding with 15 projects being funded which have included networking events, cultural celebrations, BSL cafes, International Women’s Day events and training for both staff and students. The budget has also supported staff training and enabled 10 colleagues to attend the Advance HE EDI Conference in March to learn about best practice across the sector.

Funding from the Wellcome Trust ISSF3 award supported projects such as the School of Cancer Sciences Neurodiversity Hub, the School of Health and Wellbeing’s Wellbeing of Older Workers (WOW) toolkit, the School of Life Sciences EDI app and the development of the School of Veterinary Medicine’s bespoke Cultural Competency training. All projects have been successfully rolled out across the College and are proving to be vital resources for both staff and students.

In June the College was absolutely delighted to learn that the School of Health and Wellbeing had successfully renewed its Gold Athena Swan award recognising the sector-leading work undertaken by the School. Led by Dr Breda Cullen the application was praised for the School’s governance structures and processes and in particular the use of a variety of working groups to focus on key issues and the creation of Champions.

The School of Molecular Biosciences successfully piloted a new Inclusive Leadership course developed by Dr Emily May Armstrong and this will be rolled out across the College over the coming academic year. Designed to empower individuals this new resource allows colleagues to reflect on their own leadership practices and encourages them to consider what new techniques could be used.

Looking forward to the coming academic year MVLS is looking to highlight the wealth of knowledge across the College with the development of new EDI webpages which will enable resources and good practice to be shared more widely. The College is also planning to relaunch the MVLS EDI Seminar Series and to build upon the excellent work being undertaken by the College’s Race Equality Sub Committee and the Decolonising the Curriculum Working Group.

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First published: 29 August 2023