We have recently made a number of new appointments in our EDI community. To help you put faces to names, we asked our new team members to tell us a bit about their new roles and what they'd like to achieve.
John Troyer & Grace Cappy: Co-Chair's of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network (EDIN)
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network is a forum for discussing ED&I initiatives across the University and ongoing matters relating to equality, diversity and inclusion.
John said: "I am a faculty member in the Department of Social and Policy Sciences and the Death Studies Scholar-at-Large for the Centre for Death and Society based in SPS. Connected to my research, teaching, and leadership on end-of-life issues, I am also the Grief Champion for the University and co-founder of the staff Loss & Grief Network with Heather Girling.
"As EDIN Co-Chair, I will work across the University to make sure the entire community remains as accessible as possible. I wanted to take on this role since I think it is important to make institutional changes that support everyone at the University. One area, in particular, that I am committed to is expanding grief and bereavement support for all staff and students."
Grace said: "I am the Education Manager in the Faculty of Engineering and Design, supporting the implementation and evaluation of CT across the faculty with a particular focus on student engagement. Over the last 10+ years, I have worked in a number of roles related to student inclusion and community.
I am also completing my PhD, focusing on LGBTQ+ inclusive university environments and student success. I look forward to working with the EDIN to create new opportunities for professional services staff to engage with equality, diversity, and inclusion activities and initiatives."
Teslim Bukoye: Race Equality Charter Lead
The Race Equality Charter (REC) is a national scheme aimed at improving the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education. Its purpose is to inspire a strategic approach to making cultural and systemic changes that will make a real difference to minority ethnic staff and students.
Teslim said: “I am an Associate Professor and Race Equality Charter Lead at the University of Bath. I’m also a member of the university Council, Court and Senate, and a fellow of Association of Project Management (FAPM) and fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
“My vision is to promote our Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) through The Race Equality Charter (REC), a national scheme aimed at improving the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education. Its purpose is to inspire a strategic approach to making cultural and systemic changes that will make a real difference to minority ethnic staff and students.
“Our goal is to create a platform and safe ambience to manage the cultural diversity and inclusivity of our students and staff. We hope to enhance our understanding of race and equality, limit the challenges we face and provide relevant steps to create a more inclusive environment at Bath.”
Sabina Gheduzzi: Chair, Academic Assembly
The Academic Assembly discusses relevant academic issues of University life and passes motions forward to the University’s Senate. It can also express an opinion of any matter related to the University. In addition, the members of Academic Assembly elect representatives to the University’s Senate, Council and Court.
Sabina said: “I have been a member of Academic Staff in the Department of Mechanical Engineering since 2006. Over the years I have held a number of positions of responsibility in the Department, including Director of Studies and Senior Tutor (now Senior Academic Advisor). Currently I am Director of Teaching. I am very excited to take on the position of Chair of Academic Assembly.
"As Chair I will strive to promote the work of the Assembly and encourage active participation from its members. I very strongly believe that it is only by creating an inclusive forum and by fostering a culture of open discussion that the Assembly will be able to make a positive contribution to the Governance of the University as is intended in the Statutes."
Don McLaverty, New chair of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
EDIC is responsible for the promotion of equality of opportunity across the University and also responsible to both Council and Senate for promotion of the ED&I strategy.
Don said: “I am delighted to be appointed as a member and Chair to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC). As a Lay Member of Council, I have had a longstanding support for the University focus on inclusion in its broadest sense. I look forward to working with colleagues to ensure that the University is a place where everyone is respected and able to thrive.”
Professor Jane White, Vice-President (Culture & Inclusion) said: "I am really looking forward to working with each of these new faces. They are a great team of colleagues whose enthusiasm for building an outstanding, inclusive community here at the University is completely infectious."