News

David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion), wrote to all staff earlier today, Tuesday 9 April. You can read the full text of his email below. 

Dear Colleague, 

I do hope that you managed to have a restful break over the Easter period.
 
Eid Al-Fitr is expected to start tomorrow, Wednesday 10 April, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims around the world have been praying and fasting. Mindful in particular of awful conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, I would like to wish our staff and students who are marking it a peaceful and blessed Eid Al-Fitr.

There are several news items this month:   

• Pay gap reports published
• Free period product trial across campus
• Join Poet-in-Residence Jenny Mitchell for Wicked Problems workshops in April
• Share your ideas for Black at Sussex funding
• Apply for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Research Award by 29 April
• Transgender Day of Visibility, 31 March
• Watch the replay: In Conversation on intergenerational justice and equality

Pay gap reports published 

At the end of March, the University published the latest data on our gender, ethnicity, disability and, for the first time, intersectional (gender and ethnicity) pay gaps. We are committed to creating a more equitable, diverse and inclusive community at Sussex, and addressing our pay gaps is a big part of this. While the gender pay gap continues to narrow, with a reduction of more than 2% last year, there is still considerable work to be done. The University has action plans in place, and we continue to work towards our targets to ensure that all our staff are rewarded fairly. 

Free period product trial across campus

Sussex Estates and Facilities (SEF) and the Period Dignity Project have recently expanded an existing trial to introduce new free period product dispensers in toilet facilities across campus. The dispensers, which replace existing paid machines, contain free Natracare pads and tampons for anyone that needs them. The Period Dignity Project was launched in 2019 at the School of Life Sciences, with the goal of raising awareness of issues such as the cost of menstruation and the cultural stigma around periods in wider society.

Join Poet-in-Residence Jenny Mitchell for Wicked Problems workshops in April

Book your place at upcoming poetry workshops to be facilitated by award-winning poet and Sussex alumna Jenny Mitchell, as part of her Wicked Problems series in conjunction with the Black at Sussex programme. The creative workshops, organised in partnership with the Library, will bring together themes of Black resistance and agency through the power of language. The workshop later today, 9 April, from 2.30pm-4.30pm will focus on Poetry and 'Race' and is aimed at Black staff. The upcoming workshops on 17 April and 24 April will explore Poetry and Freedom, and Poetry and Resilience respectively, and both sessions are open to all Sussex staff and students. No previous experience of writing poetry is necessary for any of the workshops, and light refreshments will be provided.

Share your ideas for Black at Sussex funding

Our five-year Black at Sussex programme aims to improve the experience of Black students and staff at Sussex. After launching at the Black Cultural Archives in 2022, we have had a range of events including a series of portraits of alumni, events during Brighton Fringe’s 2023 Cultural Connex festival and a music event. Now in our second year, we are currently supporting a Poet-in-Residence here on campus, and history workshops in south London schools.

As we approach year three, we are inviting ideas that you may have about future initiatives which may benefit from funding as part of the programme. The programme seeks to enhance the recruitment, retention and experiences of Black-identifying students and staff, celebrate Black alumni and build collaborative relationships with local and national Black-owned businesses. Please get in touch at: blackatsussex@sussex.ac.uk if you would like to share your ideas and complete a proposal form.

Apply for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Research Award by 29 April

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Research Award, part of the wider 2024 Research Culture Awards, is open for applications until 5pm on Monday 29 April. Open to all academic and Professional Services staff, the award aims to recognise and celebrate the efforts and achievements of any team or individual tackling shared EDI challenges, finding solutions and creating innovative approaches to improve practice and bring about change to make Sussex a more equal, diverse and inclusive place to do research. The winning entrant will receive £1,000 to use towards training or capability-building activity.

Transgender Day of Visibility, 31 March

Transgender Day of Visibility, which takes place annually on 31 March, was founded in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall, in response to the significant focus of media stories about transgender people being about violence. Rachel hoped to create a day where people could re-focus on celebrating the lives of transgender people, empowering them to live authentically, while still acknowledging that not every trans person can or wants to be visible. At Sussex, the Trans flag was flown at Sussex House to mark the day and an event was planned but unfortunately the speaker was unable to attend. We are looking at arranging an event later this year. Find out more about Transgender Day of Visibility and support available for staff and students.

Watch the replay: In Conversation on intergenerational justice and equality

Our Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation event series explores issues of liberation, equality, diversity and justice with voices from all walks of life, bringing their expertise and lived experiences to the fore. I was delighted to welcome key figures in higher education and equality, Professor Nicola Dandridge and Dr Omar Khan, to our latest event. Nicola and Omar joined our panel of Sussex staff and student voices to discuss inequality of access to university, the power of policy and regulation, generational differences in the way we think about society and more. You can watch the replay, view photos and read about key talking points. Further events in the series will be coming later this year.

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

Recent events: 

• World Autism Acceptance Week, 2-8 April
• International Asexuality Day, 6 April

Coming soon:

• Stephen Lawrence Day, 22 April
• Lesbian Visibility Day, 26 April

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

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