Equality Champions: Their Role at York St John
Introduction
We are all responsible for ensuring that we create an inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment for everyone who studies, works or otherwise engages with York St John: at local level that means identifying the equality and diversity issues that are most pressing for each faculty and department and developing appropriate actions to address them in line with the University’s overall approach to equality, diversity and human rights.
The interface between local strategies and the corporate equality and diversity vision is vital if we are to focus our resources on the most critical issues and ensure a consistent experience for staff and students that enhances the YSJ brand. To ensure that this interface works effectively departments and faculties will appoint a member of their senior management team to act as Equality Champion.
The Role of Equality Champion
The role of Equality Champion is to support their Dean or Director in driving forwardthe University’s equality, diversity and human rights strategyat faculty/departmental level and to lead on activity to ensure that local issues inform the overall approach. Specific responsibilities are:
- Through membership of the Equality Champions Forum to support the identification of equality and diversity objectives for YSJ and the development of the University’s Equality and Diversity Strategy.
- To support the faculty/departmental management team in identifying local equality and diversity priorities, and developing appropriate actions to address inequalities and foster good relations between diverse groups.
- To monitor progress made on the implementation of the University’s Equality and Diversity Strategyat faculty/departmental level and provide updates to the Dean/Director.
- To oversee the equality analysis process within the faculty/department ensuring that equality analysis exercises are conducted according to the agreed schedule and to a consistent standard.
- To support the communication of equality and diversity issues at faculty/departmental level.
- With the Human Resources and Staff Development Teams to identify opportunities to raise awareness of equality and diversity issues, to share best practice and to celebrate diversity across the University.
Support for Champions
Shortly after appointment training will be provided to ensure that Equality Champions are equipped to carry out the role. In addition Champions will be encouraged to improve their understanding of equality and diversity issues by accessing the relevant on-line training modules available through Moodle.
Champions will be kept up to date with developments in the equality and diversity field at the Equality Champions Forum which will meet once a term.
Equality Champions can get advice and guidance on particular equality and diversity issues from the University’s Equalities Officer.