Equality and Diversity at the University of York The EO Annual Report Yvie Holder

Equality work – the challenge! Varied understanding: we operate free of EO problems they don’t mix opening the floodgates bending over backwards for these people they eat with their mouths open

Equality work means dealing with… sex (occasionally) the folded arms brigade (not so often now) distressed people (the VC, the Registrar...) the harassed (as above) strange habits (yours and mine) spotting gaps …and misunderstandings, including ‘it’s political correctness gone mad’ etc. etc.

EO The Challenge (continued) What’s being done about the gaps? How to ensure an appropriate service and an inclusive institution?

Nov 2005: Achievements against priorities On-line training provider (almost ) agreed: Enabling for staff Relatively cheap and time efficient Raise awareness and provoke good practice Useful for induction Legally ‘covered’ (?) BUT … Ground-preparation = key.

Achievements 2 E&D Curriculum Project developments: Mainstreaming equality: EO requirement in TID funding applications Meeting diverse student needs: Academic Misconduct Conference held Nov funded projects & more to come

Achievements 3 Race Equality Consultation: responses being processed; some effective review & implementation BME staff recruitment: strategy developed

Summary Gradually moving from folded arms to open embraces: aiming to welcome diversity.