Cultural Diversity at Reading: tell us what you think

Thursday, 24 November 2016

Help us improve cultural diversity at the University of Reading.

The University is seeking feedback from colleagues on the way culture, ethnicity and race affect daily working life, so that we can move towards greater cultural competence and enhanced inclusion for all students and colleagues. 

There are two opportunities to contribute over the next few weeks:

Focus groups and interviews

We are working with an external facilitator to run focus groups for staff in grade 1–5 and interviews for staff in grades 6+ to help us understand experiences of all staff at Reading. 

Many colleagues have already volunteered, but spaces are still available in both categories. We are very grateful to all colleagues who have signed up so far.  

Focus groups will take 90 minutes, and interviews 1 hour. The external facilitator ensures confidentiality and anonymity for participants. We are hoping to have the first focus group for BAME staff in grades 1–5 on Tuesday 20 December, 10.30am–12.00pm, Whiteknights campus. We would love to hear from any additional colleagues willing to join this group. 

Other focus groups for BAME and non-BAME staff will follow, and interviews for colleagues on grade 6+ will take place between now and February 2017. 

Please contact Ellie Highwood if you would like to participate. 

Cultural Diversity Group meeting Tuesday 6 December

The first meeting of our new Cultural Diversity Group will take place on Tuesday 6 December, 12.00pm–2.00pm, HumSS 175. 

The group is for all colleagues across the University interested in how race, ethnicity and cultural differences affect our University, providing a forum for discussion and support. 

At the meeting Ellie Highwood will outline the known facts about cultural diversity at the University, moving on to an open discussion on deciding the activities the group could pursue going forward. 

Lunch will be provided, and colleagues are welcome to stay for as much of the meeting as they would like to. 

Please confirm your attendance with Ellie Highwood so that the right amount of catering can be provided. 

We look forward to working with you in this fascinating and challenging area.