The University is pleased to announce two new Equality Champions, Christine Barr, Executive Director of People and Organisational Development, as Disability Equality Champion and Prof. Iain McInnes, Vice-Principal and Head of College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, as Religion and Belief Equality Champion. These roles are integral to the University in realising our values, notably as an inclusive community.

On taking the role Christine said: “I am delighted to assume this role supporting our student and colleague community in this capacity. I am fully committed to ensuring the proposed changes to the student disability service are fully implemented in achieving appropriately resourced support for our students   in enhancing the experience of students with any form of disability.

“Our recent colleague survey highlights that there is much room for improvement in the employment experience of our disabled colleagues. I am pleased that we are in the process of further developing the ways and means through which we can reasonably support our colleagues through meaningful adjustments and actions, and I look forward to working with both our student and staff communities to raise the profile and understanding of disability within and across the University.”

Iain said: “I am pleased to be given this opportunity to support a broad range of students and colleagues. An individual’s faith and belief lie at the core our University’s approach to equal and fair treatment as an educator and employer. With our truly international community, this can only happen with a deep respect for faith and belief. I pledge to work closely with the University Chaplain, Carolyn Kelly and indeed faith representatives across our community in pursuit of this ambition.”

The Equality Champion roles are responsible for ensure the University has a senior leader with responsibility for each of the protected groups (and a few additional areas). All the Champions sit on the University’s Equality and Diversity Strategy Committee, and act as a conduit for specific areas, or raise and address issues which may arise. Students and colleagues can contact the individual Equality Champions directly, Christine and Iain’s details are:

First published: 11 January 2022

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