Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

In the School of Education and Social Work we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practices and policies. We want all staff and students to experience our School as a space that enables them to meet their potential and to thrive. We are particularly interested in active work to address inequalities produced around the specific intersections of gender, race, and disability.

EDI activity in our School is mapped to the University’s Inclusive Sussex Policy. This has four main priorities:

EQUAL SUSSEX Reduce the gap in representation, experience, progression and reward between those with and without protected characteristics.
DIVERSE SUSSEX Be a place that celebrates diversity and tolerance and fosters good relations in our own and the wider community.
ACCESSIBLE SUSSEX Provide equal access to excellent learning, research and employment opportunities regardless of physical or unseen disabilities.
FLEXIBLE SUSSEX Become an organisation that is flexible by default to ensure we are inclusive in everything we do

You can find out more about the Inclusive Sussex vision, leadership and activities on the Sussex Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

In our School we organise EDI work to meet these priorities through our EDI Committee. This is chaired by EDI Director, Alka Townend.

LGBT+ History Month

This month - February 2024 - we are celebrating LGBT+ History Month which has the theme: 'Medicine - Under The Scope'.

We have a number of images scrolling on our plasma screen in reception telling the story of how medicine has related to the LGBT+ community from the 19th century to the present day, and celebrating the pioneers who advanced attitudes as well as practices over that period.

We also hope to bring in speakers who will lead sessions on this theme for staff and students. Watch this space for more details which we will publish once they are known.

Meanwhile, check out this podcast from Lecturer in Social Work, Dr Paul Shuttleworth from his 'Do Do Social Work' series on LGBTQIA+ issues.

What are ESW's EDI priorities?

Apply for Athena Swan Bronze. This is an internationally recognised gender equality initiative and allows us to audit and act on matters of gender equality within our School.
Engage in ongoing work to address the experiences of, and exclusions felt by, racially minoritised staff. This work is led by the School’s Racialised Academics Network and supported by our Race Equality Action Plan.
Ensure our School’s culture is open and transparent around EDI. We are developing our website and policies to ensure clear communication around EDI opportunities and support for staff and students.

How can I get involved in EDI initiatives in ESW?

Our EDI committee normally meets termly in a hybrid meeting that is chaired by the EDI Co-Directors. The committee is open to all staff, including doctoral students. You can find out more about our aims and scope by referring to our EDI Terms of Reference [PDF 57.67KB]. New members are always very welcome.

Email EDI Director, Alka Townend to find out more.

What EDI training is available?

The University’s online training platform Learn Upon offers a range of mandatory and optional courses for staff. These include Diversity in the Workplace, Trans and non-binary awareness and the Impact of Micro Behaviours. The University hold a variety of events to commemorate

In ESW we also hold a range of additional Events and Training for staff and students. This has included hosting speakers on Race Equality, Neurodiversity and Disability Awareness. We are always open to ideas so if there is an area you would like us to focus on or a speaker you’d like us to invite, please contact Alka.

What about support and relevant networks?

In addition to the EDI committee, we have a Racialised Academics Network in our School. This is led by Fezile Sibanda and Dr Tam Cane.

The University offers a range of other networks, services and points of contact including the LGBT+, BAME, Trans and Non-Binary, and Disability staff networks.

As staff, if I have a question or something of concern related to EDI, what should I do?

EDI Director, Alka Townend, can be contacted if you have a question or concern around EDI. This could range from a question around appropriate terminology or suggesting a speaker or celebration event.

You can also contact us in the first instance if you are experiencing bullying, harassment or discrimination and we can listen in confidence and signpost appropriately. Your line manager, head of department or unit, union representative or HR rep can also offer advice and guidance.

Outside of the School, Report + Support is the University’s online tool, for you to find support, report anonymously or ask to speak to an adviser in relation to topics such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination.

As a student, if I have a question or something of concern related to EDI, what should I do?

EDI Director, Alka Townend, can be contacted if staff members have a question or concern around EDI. This might be a query about appropriate terminology, or a suggestion for an initiative, and event, or a speaker.

Students can contact the School's Directors of Student Experience, Jo Tregenza and/or Dr Rachel Burr [eswdose@sussex.ac.uk] if they are experiencing bullying, harassment or discrimination. DoSEs will listen, discuss options in confidence, and signpost appropriately. Academic Advisors, course or module leads, and the Student Union can also offer advice and guidance to students.