MyGlasgow News

Feedback from the recent Staff Survey makes excellent reading with regards to levels of awareness of equality and diversity considerations for both staff and students across the University, writes Christine Barr, Director of Human Resources.

Further, more than 90% of our staff report that the University respects people equally with regards to all nine protected characteristics; one exception is age which rated a still very positive 89%. Testament indeed, to the wonderful work going on around Athena Swan, the Gender Charter Mark and other diversity related initiatives in many of our schools and research institutes.

This is fantastic news, however it is important that we do not become complacent.  Some time ago, we set out to achieve a target of 90% of our staff completing the University's online Equality & Diversity Essentials training course, which now forms part of new staff induction.

Professor Anne Anderson, Head of the College of Social Sciences is one of six senior members of staff who are Equality Champions. She says: “'I know colleagues right across the University have strong a strong commitment to equality.  One of the ways we show this is to make sure we are all up to date on our responsibilities under the new legislation. Can I ask that we all, whatever our job in the University,  make sure we have completed the on-line training in Equality and Diversity Essentials.  It is a good course and can be completed in a short period of time.  For those of us who manage others there is also a Managing Diversity course that should be taken - again for ease all on-line.'

Despite, the highly positive rhetoric from the recent survey, there remains a relatively low level of awareness of the University’s Dignity at Work and Study Policy and other diversity policies aimed at supporting staff more generally. For example the Management of Stress in the Workplace, etc.  With the new teaching session about to start now is the time to ensure we are all aware of our individual and our collective responsibility in relation to the Equality Act. 

No matter your role in the University, please complete the Equality and Diversity Essentials e-learning course if you have not already done so. Further training support is available in the form of Managing Diversity, particularly for those with line management responsibilities.

Both e-learning courses have recently been revamped and updated and have also moved to a new home; on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle 2.

Visit the Equality and Diversity Unit’s dedicated training page for updated instructions on how to access the e-learning courses.  You’ll also find information on other equality based learning resources available. 

See also: www.gla.ac.uk/staff/staffsurvey2014/

The University is committed to promoting equality in all its activities and aims to provide a work, learning, research and teaching environment free from discrimination and unfair treatment. The University’s Equality and Diversity Unit can be contacted at equality@glasgow.ac.uk or on 0141 330 1887.

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First published: 29 August 2014