New project will promote equality and diversity in HE research careers
A new project 'Every researcher counts' led by Vitae and commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is set to improve equality and diversity for research staff within the HE sector. Many of the challenges relating to equality and diversity are systemic within the HE sector, particularly for research staff. These can create a difficult environment for researchers, but particularly disadvantages some groups including women, disabled and black and minority ethnic researchers.
The project is aiming to develop a network of at least 50 individuals to act as 'Equality and Diversity Champions' from over 50 different HEIs across the UK. Vitae is currently seeking nominations from Equality and Diversity specialists, widening participation staff, HR staff, academics, HEI senior managers or Principle Investigators (PIs). Champions will be expected to raise awareness of the researcher equality and diversity agenda within HEI's, use and distribute resources to PIs and staff developers, attend regional train-the-trainer events, and provide feedback to the project team.
The project is an important part of the HEFCE implementation strategy for the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
More information about the 'Every researcher counts', its wider objectives and outcomes is available on the Vitae website. For ECU guidance to HEIs regarding equality and diversity please visit the ECU website.