Equality and Diversity (EDI) Committee Remit

The Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry wishes to foster a positive cultural environment which allows both staff and students to flourish, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and valued. We recognise that this requires commitment (and action) from everyone at all levels of the Department and that often this can only be achieved by changing cultures and attitudes across the Department. 

The EDI Committee within the Department is committed to widening access and inclusion. Promoting the value of the many different identities which make up an organisational culture which is respectful and inclusive irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, parental and caring responsibilities/leave, race, sexual orientation, religion, belief or social background. 

The EDI Committee is the representative body for the Department who advocate for, and recognise the differing needs of individuals including, the recruitment, selection, training, appraisal, development and promotion of staff. It will identify problems, come up with pragmatic solutions and will monitor the effectiveness of these actions. The ultimate aim being for a positive influence over the Departmental culture and to raise awareness to ensure that everyone that works or is a student within the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry will feel valued irrespective of their personal circumstances. 

We have been listening to the STEM community and the various underrepresented groups in Chemistry. After reflecting on our own practices within the Department, we are pleased to announce some instrumental changes which are being implemented effective immediately in order to enhance the inclusivity and environment for all staff and students. I am excited today to announce the launch of our new website dedicated to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). This website will keep everyone up to date on the work of our newly formed EDI committee, who are dedicated to ensuring safety, openness, fairness and inclusivity within the Department. Since forming in December, the Committee has been actively listening to the community and have implemented a series of recommendations which have now been incorporated into our Departmental practices. These are:

1. Asking all staff members to consider adding their personal pronouns into their email signature.

2. Ensuring that all staff members undergo EDI, Unconscious Bias and Gender Matters training with refresher training on an annual basis.

3. Removing any personal identifying information from forms on job applications before scrutiny within the Department.

4. A dedicated confidential space for staff or students to raise any concerns the have regarding EDI within the Department, accessed via a link on our website.

While these changes will undoubtedly start to enhance our working culture, they are by no means an endpoint. The EDI Committee will continue to review practice whilst engaging with underrepresented communities and professional bodies and implement further changes where necessary.

Within Pure and Applied Chemistry we believe that diversity is the key to driving forward creativity and innovation, and that Chemistry is for everyone.

Current Equality and Diversity Committee members: