Equality and diversity
Managing diversity is about managing people, valuing diverse points of view and supporting and empowering individuals with different backgrounds and experiences, which in turn contributes to the overall success of the University. Successful diversity management can enhance organisational performance and deliver benefits such as the attraction and retention of the best employees, improving motivation and productivity, and reducing staff turnover costs - often referred to as the ‘business case’ for diversity.
The University's Vision and Strategy supports our efforts to attract the best employees from all walks of life and all parts of the world and as such, the University's staffing priorities are to:
- Recruit and retain first-class talent
- Foster a high-achieving workforce that is competent, committed, creative and capable of managing and responding positively to change;
- Develop a culture and an environment that motivates and enables people to make an excellent contribution.
Equality and Diversity Training
All members of staff are encouraged to undertake the on-line Diversity in the Workplace Training Module. Accessible and convenient, you can complete the module when and where it suits you. The programme offers you the flexibility to work at your own pace, either in one session (approximately 1.5 hours) or over a period of time. Developed and tailored for the University, it provides essential, up-to-date information about diversity issues, legislation and best practice.
Equality and Diversity Networks
How involved do you feel in the life of the University? Staff networks have been established specifically for certain groups to come together periodically to discuss common issues and personal experiences. Members of the networks also make recommendations on how University policy and practice might be improved to better support them. The following networks have been introduced to date:
For more information about these groups and how to get involved contact the Equality and Diversity Team, Tel: (0117) 33 18087 Email: equality-diversity@bristol.ac.uk
International staff adviser
If you are an international member of staff you can access advice and support on any aspect of living and working in the UK from the International Staff Adviser Ri’Anna Stueber.
Ri’Anna offers both appointments and drop-in sessions, and a comprehensive international staff website. Contact Ri’Anna Tel: (0117) 95 45790 Email: international-staff@bristol.ac.uk
Deaf awareness
If you would like to be able to communicate more effectively with deaf colleagues, you can take a course in British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf awareness.
Courses are run throughout the year and updated details can be found on the Centre for Deaf Studies website.
Teams or departments who are interested in tailormade BSL or deaf awareness courses, perhaps on an intensive basis, should contact Paul Wild for more details Tel: (0117) 95 46900 Email: paul.wild@bristol.ac.uk
Dignity at work advisers
If you are experiencing harassment or bullying, or have been accused of it and you do not initially want to discuss this with your line manager, you can talk to an adviser informally and in confidence.
A list of advisers can be found on the Dignity at Work web pages or you can speak to Jean Crispin about this service Tel: (0117) 930 0261 Email: jean.crispin@bristol.ac.uk