Reflecting the diversity of our community is the bare minimum. To address systemic and structural inequities, we need to embed inclusive practices in all aspects of our research, teaching and daily interactions.
Professor Stephani Hatch, Vice Dean (Culture, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion)
Professor Hatch Inaugural Lecture Summary
The principles of equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of IoPPN's culture. We are committed to continuing to discuss, implement, promote and monitor strategies aimed at improving the working and learning environment for all our staff and students.
The Culture, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team aims to provide the strategic vision, expertise and framework to ensure an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for all IoPPN staff, students and visitors. Applying an intersectional approach across all protected characteristics, the CEDI Committee assess, address and challenge:
- Policies, processes and procedures
- Normative approaches, beliefs and practices
- All parts of IoPPN (teaching, research, professional services) individually and wholistically
Our current priorities include:
- Launching a new approach to delivering CEDI work across the Faculty introducing School CEDI Academic Leads and CEDI Goal Champions to lead work on Communications and Engagement, Equality Analysis and EDI Data, Recruitment, Retention and Recognition and CEDI Learning and Development.
- Improving our understanding of the experiences of students and staff from minoritised communities, particularly those at the intersection of race and other protected characteristics, and addressing these barriers to ensure all students and staff can reach their full potential
- Improving the use of, access to and monitoring the impact of our range of Inclusive Toolkits and available resources and Code of Conduct that together support inclusive cultures and working environments
- Our Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Achievements Log for all departments and central teams, which is an annual process that explores department/central teams progress and acheivements and implementation of our Action Plans
Our History
Our work began in 2012, with our Women in Science project that aimed to assess, address and challenge the inequalities women face in their academic careers in STEMM subjects.
In 2012, our faculty Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team was formed to support IoPPN’s first application for the Athena Scientific Women’s Academic Network (SWAN) charter. The IoPPN was awarded the Athena SWAN Silver Award in 2014 and submitted a renewal application in April 2019. Receiving our first Silver Award was an extremely proud moment for us, but it also revealed that, in order to create a truly inclusive environment for all our staff and students, our work needed to expand beyond gender to all protected characteristics.
We became the Diversity & Inclusion Team in 2016. Professor Ann McNeill was appointed IoPPN's inaugral Vice-Dean (Culture, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) in 2019. Professor Stephani Hatch was appointed as the current Vice-Dean (CEDI) in 2022 further demonstrating our commitment to the core values of equality.
Inspiring Women
Inspiring Women was an initiative in 2014, arising from the fact that many junior researchers were unaware of IoPPN's internationally renowned female professors. The initiative celebrated our female professors' achievements, and highlighted how their work influences, shapes and delivers IoPPN's strategic vision, whilst also ensuring access to role models for all our students and staff. You can view a summary of this initiative below.
In 2022 and 2023 this exhibition was updated to include an additional 28 female professors promoted since 2014.