David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality & Inclusion)

On Friday 15 December, David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality & Inclusion) emailed all staff. You can read the message below:

Dear Colleague, 
 
We know that the continuing conflict in Israel and Gaza/Palestine is affecting many staff and students. I want to remind everyone of the support available at Sussex if you need it.
 
Meanwhile, perspectives on these events can often be polarising. I wrote to all staff and students last week about a facilitated community dialogue initiative that we are trialling on 16 January. The aim is to provide a space to explore the conflict through honest sharing and open listening. If you would like to take part, please express your interest by 5pm on Monday 18 December.  
 
Separately, I explored possible ways to help navigate contested issues during my recent lecture and blog on freedom of speech and its boundaries. And as part of our work to build understanding and foster strong relationships, we continued with our Open Listening Programme workshops for staff in November. Feedback has been very positive, and we will be running an Open Listening workshop for our University Leadership Forum early in 2024. 
 
This month, I’d like to talk about:  

• BSMS awarded Athena Swan Gold Award 
• World AIDS Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities  
• Stonewall staff questionnaire - closing today, 15 December 
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion annual report 2022/23

Coming up: 

• World Religion Day, 21 January 
• Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January 

 
BSMS awarded Athena Swan Gold Award 

The Athena Swan Charter aims to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women. The University holds a Bronze Award, and several of our Schools have also received department-level awards. I am delighted that Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), which is jointly run by the two universities, has recently achieved the Athena Swan Gold Award for its commitment to gender equality in higher education and research. Over 1,000 Athena Swan awards have been issued across the UK, but only around 24 of those are Gold, testament to the progress achieved by BSMS. Many congratulations to the Athena Swan team and all those within the School whose efforts have been key to this award success.

World AIDS Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities  

Earlier this month we marked two annual events in the inclusion calendar: World AIDS Day on 1 December and International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.  
 
World AIDS Day aims to foreground the experiences of people living with HIV, reduce stigma and inspire and unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. You can find out more about local Brighton and Hove organisations working with people living with HIV and offering training and health advice. 
 
Globally, more than one billion people have some form of disability. International Day of Persons with Disabilities - which takes place annually on 3 December during Disability History Month - aims to promote the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. You can find useful information for staff and students including online training and free resources from the Business Disability Forum.  

Stonewall staff questionnaire closes today, Friday 15 December 

As part of our work supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion at Sussex, the University has submitted an entry into the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2024. We aim to achieve a top-100 ranking in the Index by 2025. As part of the submission, staff can complete Stonewall’s annual Workplace Equality Index Staff Feedback Questionnaire. The optional survey, which closes today Friday 15 December, can be completed by any member of staff and the results go directly to Stonewall.  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion annual report 2022/23 

In November, I presented the University’s latest Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) annual report to Council, highlighting the work underway around our Inclusive Sussex strategy. Some great progress has been made this year and we have:

• received the Race Equality Charter Bronze award
• signed up to the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen and Boater Pledge
• established a Religion and Belief Forum
• begun our Open Listening Programme pilot
• enhanced our Sustainable Procurement Framework to include EDI considerations
• reviewed our EDI e-learning provision and launched a new disability module
• updated our approach to Equality Analysis
• held our first two In Conversation events.

The Black at Sussex programme also continues to develop, and the staff networks and the EDI champions network are increasingly active. I look forward to progressing this work and more with the University community as we head into 2024.  
 
Finally, as we approach the winter break, I would like to wish everyone a peaceful and enjoyable festive season. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to those who celebrate.  

 
With good wishes, 
 
David Ruebain  
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)  

Coming up:

• World Religion Day, 21 January 
• Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January 

We will be sharing further information about these on the Staff Hub shortly.