David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion) wrote to all staff on Monday 15 December. You can read his message in full:

Dear Colleague,

I begin this final update of the year by acknowledging that this has been a very difficult year for higher education and Sussex (in that regard, please do note the wellbeing support in relation to the recently-launched Voluntary Leavers Scheme.) At the same time, in the UK and across the world conflict and violence continue including the news yesterday of the horrific murders of members of the Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney, and this can also profoundly affect our community, sometimes very directly.

Our Jewish Chaplain, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, has invited all staff to attend today’s Menorah lighting ceremony at 4pm in Library Square.

This month, I highlight:

•   a Gold Athena Swan award for the School of Psychology
•   a video introducing our new Race Equity Steering Group co-chairs

Gold Athena Swan award for the School of Psychology

I am delighted to congratulate the School of Psychology on achieving the Athena Swan Gold award recently, the highest level of achievement in the Athena Swan Charter framework, recognising ‘significant and sustained progression and achievement’ in gender equality. The School will hold the award until November 2030. This is the third Athena Swan award for the School, building on Bronze in 2016 and Silver in 2020.

The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research. The University holds an Athena Swan Institutional Bronze award, and nine individual Schools and Faculties now hold awards, including all of our STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) Schools.

Spotlight on Race Equity – meet our new Steering Group co-chair

I invite you to view an 8-minute video featuring our new Race Equality Charter (REC) Steering Group co-chairs, Hannah Wallace and Gaurish Chawla. In the video, Hannah and Gaurish share what drew them to the role of co-chairs and reflect on some of the areas they hope to focus on, including awarding gaps and the wider experiences of our staff and student community. You will also hear from me as Executive Lead for the REC, and Sarah Law, EDI Lead for the REC with a brief update on our race equality work and priorities.

This year we recast the REC Self-Assessment Team to a Steering Group, reflecting the broader scope of our race equity work at Sussex and the need for a group that can guide both our REC commitments and the wider activity that sits alongside them. With this shift, and following the departure of our previous vice-chair, the group has welcomed Hannah and Gaurish as part of the refreshed leadership structure. You can find out more about the Race Equality Charter on our webpages and if you have any questions about the REC or the work of the Steering Group, please contact the EDI Unit at: edi.unit@sussex.ac.uk.

As we approach the winter break, for those who celebrate, may I wish you a Happy Hanukkah, which is happening right now, and next week, a Happy Christmas. Over this fortnight Hindus celebrate Pancha Gnapati and Pagans celebrate the Winter Solstice, and I wish everyone celebrating these festivals joy, light and community. Whatever your religious or non-religious beliefs, I hope you have a peaceful and enjoyable break over the holiday period.

With good wishes,    

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

Recent events and currently underway

• World Religion Day, Monday 19 January

Coming up

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