News

David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion) wrote to all staff on Tuesday 27 May. You can read his message in full:

Dear Colleague,

This month, I’d like to talk about:

• community and inclusion at the Sussex Awards on 6 May
• International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, 17 May
• an update on the Athena Swan and Gender Equality Steering Group
• Black at Sussex funding to support Black-led innovation
• EDI-related events at the Summer of Research festival 2025
• support resources for staff

Community and inclusion at the Sussex Awards on 6 May

I was honoured to present two of the awards at this year’s Sussex Awards ceremony which was held at the Attenborough Centre on 6 May. Recognising the brilliant work and achievements of staff and students, the awards highlighted aspects of the best of the University – our community. The Inclusive Sussex and Contribution to Campus Life awards I presented served to celebrate the work that people do to build an inclusive and supportive University. Find out more about the winners and why they won.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, 17 May

We marked International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) on 17 May, and as we witness developments around the world, some of which are very challenging, it is important to restate our commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive campus for all. I recently joined the LGBTQ+ Staff Network for their hot topics forum to discuss current matters around LGBTQ+ inclusion in the University. The network is planning a queer history walk in Brighton followed by a drag show on 30 May in honour of IDAHOBIT and staff are welcome to book a place.

Athena Swan and Gender Equality Steering Group update

Our institutional Athena Swan action plan focuses on the practical steps we are taking to improve gender equality at Sussex including on promotions, leadership, workload and pay. This work is supported by the Gender Equality Steering Group which includes staff from across roles and disciplines. You can read about recent activities including a Female Professor Roundtable to understand barriers to progression, latest mentoring and leadership development news and a spotlight on the Parents and Carers Network.

Black at Sussex funding to support Black-led innovation

The Black at Sussex programme recently announced dedicated funding for guest lecturers, research and Black-led organisations to help expand opportunity for Black academic and creative voices. The funding aims to encourage more diverse applications to the Black at Sussex programme and help ensure that Black-led innovation and excellence thrives at the University. Find out more including how to apply and follow what’s happening with the Black at Sussex programme via their new Instagram channel.

Black at Sussex also supported this year’s Black Brilliance in Business initiative at the Business School. Led by students, the project delivered an inspiring programme of events which provided spaces for connection, career development and celebration of excellence for Black students at Sussex.

EDI-related events at the Summer of Research festival 2025

The Summer of Research festival returns to campus from 9-20 June, showcasing the breadth of research taking place at Sussex. Some of the events have an EDI focus, reflective of ongoing efforts to make sure that our Research Culture is as inclusive and positive as possible.

One highlight is the Women’s Leadership Academy Showcase. The academy aims to address gender inequalities, and during the showcase participants will share their personal and professional journeys. For those looking to connect in a creative way, Dancing for Belonging offers a unique opportunity to build connections and feelings of inclusion through movement. The session is open to all staff and students and no experience is necessary.

I am also pleased to be chairing one of the panels at the Sussex Research Culture Symposium 2025, where we will be joined by Kamna Patel from UCL and Gavin Mensah-Coker, Tamsin Hinton-Smith and Elizabeth Rendon-Morales from Sussex. Through discussion, we will explore how we can continue to foster a supportive and inclusive research environment, despite financial challenges across the Higher Education sector.

Support resources for staff

I wanted to share a reminder about support resources available which may be useful during times of change and uncertainty. Our Employee Assistance Programme is available for staff and their immediate family members 24/7, offering a range of independent help and guidance including access to confidential counselling sessions. Additionally, ongoing wellbeing support is accessible through the Staff Wellbeing Hub, where you’ll find further useful resources and ways to get help if you need it.

Finally, Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, begins Wednesday 4 June. We wish any members of the community participating a safe and blessed journey - Hajj Mubarak.

Also in June, Pagans will mark the Summer Solstice and Midsummer festival. There will be a Solstice-themed mindfulness meditation in the Meeting House chapel at 1:30pm on 18 June.

The Feasts of Saints Peter and Paul are held the week of 29 June, recalling the martyrdom of these two apostles. Some Christian traditions encourage fasting up until this day.

With good wishes,    

David Ruebain     
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion) 

Recent events: 

• Deaf Awareness Week, 5-11 May 

Coming up:

• Pride Month, 1-30 June
• Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, 1-30 June
• National Trust heritage walk to Priscilla the Gypsy cob horse, 6 June
• Carers Week, 9-15 June
• Pride at Sussex exhibition, 17 June-31 July
• Windrush Day, 22 June
• International Women in Engineering Day, 23 June

Information about upcoming awareness days will be shared on the Staff Hub.

Further religious days and observances:

• Pentecost (Anglican, Catholic, and other Christian denominations), 8 June
• Saka Dawa (Buddhist), 11 June
• Trinity Sunday (Anglican, Catholic, and other Christian denominations), 15 June
• Islamic New Year (Muslim), 25 June

Back to all news