David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion) wrote to all staff on Monday 20 October. You can read his message in full:

Dear Colleague,

I’d like to start by reiterating points made by Sasha in her communications of 3 and 6 October regarding the recent attacks on a synagogue in Heaton Park and a local mosque in Peacehaven. As violent forms of racism and religious discrimination appear, I want to firmly restate our University commitment to an inclusive, supportive environment where diversity of background, belief and identity is welcomed and embraced. At moments like this, it is particularly important for us to come together as a community and offer support to those affected.

And, following the news of the conviction of a former student for rape and other sexual offences, reported in the Vice-Chancellor's message on Friday, I would also like to remind colleagues of the support available and our reporting processes.

If you or someone else has experienced a hate incident or unwanted behaviours such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct or abuse, you can report it to the police or University security and you can also let us know using our Report + Support tool. Useful information, support and guidance is also available on our Wellbeing Hub.

In this month's update, I highlight:

• our Inclusive Sussex framework approach 
• the next Open Listening Programme workshop on 22 October
• booking details for In Conversation with Luke Tryl on 18 November
• the new Disability Leave Procedure
• our call for new members to join the Black at Sussex steering group 

From next month, the Inclusive Sussex update will be hosted on the Staff Hub and shared via the Sussex in focus newsletter, rather than being sent directly by email. You can view all previous editions of the Inclusive Sussex update on our Culture, Equality and Inclusion webpages.

Inclusive Sussex Framework approach

Following the launch of our new University strategy, Sussex 2035: Creating Progressive Futures – flourishing, sustainability and progress for the whole world, work is underway to determine a number of three-year strategic plans, including a people and culture plan. Alongside this we are developing an Inclusive Sussex Framework, building on our previous Inclusive Sussex Strategy and setting out our overarching approach and methodology to drive inclusion in the particular context of the University and its staff and students. I will update further as the work progresses.

Open Listening Programme workshop ─ 22 October

Our upcoming Open Listening Programme introductory workshop, on 22 October from 9.30am-1.30pm, provides a space to learn more about the dynamics of conflict and explore ways to listen to and understand each other better. The workshop, one of three sessions coming up over the next few months, is open to all staff and aims to be accessible and inclusive for all participants across different identities and life experiences. Find out more and book your place today.

Join us In Conversation with Luke Tryl ─ 18 November

Luke Tryl, Executive Director of More in Common, joins us for our next Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation event on Tuesday 18 November at 5.30pm. Luke leads ground-breaking UK public opinion research on issues like immigration, climate change, gender identity, and mental health and his work helps policymakers, businesses, and civil society navigate complex topics with clarity and compassion. This is a great opportunity to explore the background to contested issues both in universities, and society as a whole. Tickets are free, but booking is essential – find out more and reserve your place. Following the discussion, you are welcome to stay and join us for a short drinks reception. I look forward to seeing some of you at the event.

New Disability Leave Procedure

The University has introduced a new Disability Leave Procedure, which will support the positive and consistent management of employment opportunities for disabled staff. The policy has been developed following consultation with staff, staff networks and the campus trade unions. The procedure strengthens our approach to providing reasonable workplace adjustments and align with good practice.

Join the Black at Sussex Steering Group

The Black at Sussex Steering Group is looking to expand. Staff with an interest in racial equity, representation and structural change are encouraged to join the cross-University group. Steering Group members actively help shape and support the programme, which has already delivered a number of projects including a high-profile Black alumni portrait series, workshops in London and local schools, and support for a local community carnival celebrating Black culture. Find out more and register your interest.

And finally, starting today, Monday 20 October, Diwali – the ‘festival of lights’ – is celebrated by Hindus, as well as some Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The South Asian Student Society is holding a Diwali event on campus on 2 November.

Pagans and anyone interested can celebrate Samhain to mark the beginning of winter at 1:30pm on 29 October. Meet in Library Square or, if the weather is inclement, in the Meeting House Chapel.

Many Christians will celebrate All Hallows' Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day this month, and may be bringing to mind lost loved ones. These celebrations run from 31 October to 2 November.

On 5 November, Sikhs celebrate the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. Many will gather at a gurdwara to sing and share a meal.

With good wishes,   

David Ruebain    

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)

Recent events and currently underway:

• Black History Month, 1-31 October
• Dyslexia Awareness Week, 6-12 October
• Baby Loss Awareness Week, 9-15 October
• National Hate Crime Awareness Week, 11-18 October 

Coming up:

Intersex Awareness Day, 26 October
Celebration of Priscilla Queen of the South, 8 November

Information about upcoming awareness days will be shared on the Staff Hub.

Further religious days and observances:

• The Buddhist festival of Kathina, which started on Tuesday 7 October, continues until Friday 5 November.
• Lha Bab Duchen, an annual Buddhist festival celebrating the descent of the Buddha from heaven to earth, will be celebrated on 11 November.

This work supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). You can read more about our work on the SDGs.