College of Science & Engineering

Jason Newton - Senior Research Fellow, Manager NEIF Stable Isotope Laboratory (Ecology) - Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre

I am the EDI chair at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC). Our committee consists of staff from all job families and grades, plus student representation.

We foster a culture of inclusiveness, empowering individuals and improving communication between management and staff. The role of the EDI is to encourage cultural change which requires staff buy-in. Thus, we have set up two ‘Voice’ groups- one for professional/support staff and one for researchers. These ‘Voice’ groups are in a unique position to understand the needs of staff and are allocated a modest budget, report to and support the EDI committee.

The EDI committee were influential in SUERC becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, perhaps the first HE science organisation to do so. In addition, SUERC is putting together guidance on managing menstruation in the field which aims to improve the fieldwork experience for colleagues, which will be shared on our online learning platform GAEA. I look forward to a future when our committee is no longer required, and EDI principles and values are second nature to all.

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First published: 24 May 2023