National recognition for university's equality project
Published 7 September 2011
A University of Brighton equality project has won acclaim as "eye catching and innovative" in a national competition.
The 'Equality starts here' initiative, launched by the university's Personnel Department, was commended in the Exceptional HR achievement category of the Universities Human Resources (UHR) awards, presented annually to showcase the positive impact that good personnel and human resources practices have on organisations.
Jo Dowson, Director of Personnel, and Helen Tatch, Equalities Adviser, commented in the entry: "Brighton, as a place, has a long history and reputation for tolerance and open-mindedness, and the university community reflects that."
The equality and diversity awareness campaign was designed after years of monitoring representation rates of black and ethnic minority staff and women in higher paid roles. Little or no change in profiles was recorded, despite a number of equal opportunities policies and initiatives, as well as sustained feedback that managers and staff lacked confidence in their knowledge of equality and diversity issues and were unsure of 'political correctness'.
The key aims of the awareness and communication project, which ran over a period of two years, were to tackle a culture of inertia and complacency and also to engage and empower staff to feel confident in addressing equality issues.
The mirror-board poster campaign 'Equality starts here' was described by judges as eye catching and innovative. The concept was designed so that people saw themselves in a poster mirror and were encouraged to take personal responsibility for making equality and diversity happen.
In 2010, all staff were sent a copy of a calendar entitled 'No easy answers'. Each month included a photographic image, a thought-provoking question and an informative statement, covering the range of protected characteristics.
In judging the award, UHR noted that the awareness campaign had positive results and a staff survey showed exceptionally high scores from staff who said they believed that the university was fair and agreed with its actions on equality and diversity.
Left to right: UHR Vice Chair Jane Embley presents the award to Brenda Aherne, University of Brighton Staff Development Adviser, and Careen Green, formerly a university Personnel Adviser
Professor Stuart Laing, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: "'Equality starts here' was led by a skilled and reflective team of personnel professionals. The programme combined systematic use of data with both qualitative analysis and challenging communications materials – producing a custom-made and locally-targeted approach to improving performance in equality and diversity practice.
"Mirror board posters and equality calendars challenged complacency ('what is the problem?'), provoked debate ('are you saying this is about me'?), and initiated action ('so how can we make this better?').
"Disability audits and consultation are transforming understanding and practice. Above all, the whole organisation has been re-energised and sensitised to equality issues – a great success – and without a great fuss."
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