Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at RGU
Inclusivity starts with attracting and engaging a diverse range of staff, ensuring the University, at every level, reflects the communities in which we live and work. But it doesn’t stop there. We aim to foster a culture where everyone feels welcome, comfortable to express their ideas and reach their full potential.
Armed with greater awareness and understanding, our staff are better equipped to keep conversations flowing around equality, diversity and inclusion issues.
In this short video, Emmanuel Akerele (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Adviser), Leila Mokadem (Race Staff Equality Champion) and Vikki Taylor (HR Business Partner & HR Race Equality Champion) discuss the importance of EDI training for all at RGU.
Whilst education lays the foundations and we are making progress, we know there is still work to be done. For example, we are examining why some equality strands are not represented at a senior level in the University as well as reviewing our succession planning and promotions processes to encourage all staff to work towards and apply for promoted posts. This important work is channelled through our EDI Advisor and supported by the action groups, networks, events and partnerships.
RGU Voices
We value the breadth of experience and perspectives in our staff community. You can hear about different job roles from a few of our staff in the RGU Voices series as well the attractions of RGU and the Aberdeen area in our 60 second interviews.
Equality Action Groups and Champions
Our Equality Action Groups bring together colleagues from across the university to help shape our targets into actions and our actions into results. The action groups ensure we are held accountable for the commitments we make for making equality, diversity and inclusion a priority across the business.
Networks
However you identify, we have a range of staff networks that offer a safe space to meet new people, find support and social events on and off campus. The networks are self managed, independent and impartial.
Events
We appreciate that there are many diverse cultural, celebration and awareness events throughout the year that are great opportunities for us to learn more about the things that matter to our staff and students. We hold and support many of these events and campaigns throughout the year such as Black History Month, International Women’s Day and Pride Month.
Partners and Programmes
We partner with organisations who are experts in specific areas of diversity to ensure we stay connected, informed and true to our goals.
People with Disabilities
RGU is an approved, ‘Disability Confident’ Employer which means we are working with the government to remove barriers, increase understanding and ensure that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.
Working families/Happy to Talk Flexible Working
We aim to remove the barriers for working families by examining every job to see what flexible working arrangements are possible and openly advertising this by using the ‘Happy to Talk Flexible Working’ logo on appropriate roles.
Aurora Programme
Aurora is a women-only leadership development programme which brings together leadership experts and higher education institutions to take positive action to address the under-representation of women in leadership positions.
Athena SWAN Principles
The Athena Swan Charter recognises good practice in promoting gender equality in higher education and the University is committed to the principles of the charter. It offers a valuable framework to identify inclusive organisational and cultural practices, celebrate progress and most importantly, address barriers to gender equality.
Streetsport and the Denis Law Legacy Trust
Denis Law Legacy Trust is a registered charity that in partnership with Robert Gordon University, delivers free sports and activity sessions for young people, 5 nights a week, 50 weeks a year. The programme aims to: reduce instances of youth crime and anti-social behaviour; improve health and wellbeing; and encourage inclusivity through sport, physical activity and creative endeavour.