David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion) wrote to all staff on Wednesday 13 August. You can read his message in full:
Dear Colleague,
In this month’s update:
- Brighton & Hove Pride 2025
- Completing your online training on harassment and sexual misconduct
- New projects announced for the Black at Sussex programme 2025-26
- Strengthening gender equity through cross cultural mentoring
- Sussex Chaplain helps found new Higher Education Chaplaincy conference
- Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation event on 18 November
Brighton & Hove Pride 2025
Earlier this month, thousands of people took part in the annual Brighton Pride weekend, a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Sussex was proud to once again to be part of the Pride Community Parade and thank you to the 57 staff, students and alumni who joined our walking party in the parade on Saturday 2 August. You can view a photo gallery and read more about the day, including reflections from those who took part on what it meant for them.
Completing your online training on harassment and sexual misconduct
On 1 August, I emailed all staff about new online training to be completed by 19 September 2025. The mandatory training, which helps colleagues prevent harassment and sexual misconduct, understand acceptable behaviours and foster a safe, inclusive and respectful work and learning environment, is one of the requirements of Condition E6, a new Office for Students condition of registration. In addition, all new students will also be required to complete separate online training at the start of the academic year. The staff training takes around 45-60 minutes – please do set aside time to complete it.
New projects announced for the Black at Sussex programme 2025-26
Black at Sussex has announced a series of impactful projects for the 2025–26 academic year, selected for their commitment to community, culture and collaboration. The projects will support the programme’s aims to celebrate Black culture among current and former students and staff, establish and develop collaborative partnerships with Black-led organisations, and promote the University to prospective Black students and staff. Upcoming initiatives include:
- Amplifying Black Voices Through Literature: A dynamic, literature-based engagement programme led by Afrori Books including a Welcome Week pop-up bookshop, book clubs, lectures and a student-led live interview.
- Tapestry of Black Britons: An innovative heritage project led by Sussex alum Paula Ogun Hector to include a permanent digital and physical tapestry installation celebrating Black history, past and present.
- Black Brilliance in Business: A student-led series delivering events spotlighting Black excellence, building community pride and giving students tangible leadership experience.
Find out more about Black at Sussex projects for 2025-26.
Strengthening gender equity through cross cultural mentoring
In July, the University welcomed three colleagues from the University of Ghana for a week-long exchange as part of the Sussex–Ghana Reciprocal Mentoring Project. Aiming to explore gender equity through cross-cultural reciprocal mentoring, peer learning and exchange, the project brings together over 40 participants from the Universities of Sussex and Ghana. Mentoring conversations so far have featured a range of topics including power and privilege, gendered barriers to career progression, support for parents and carers, and how mentoring can support both personal growth and change in the workplace. During the recent exchange visit, dialogue focused on inclusive leadership, structural change and lived experience, with valuable insights shared on how both institutions are working to support gender equity. Read more about the visit and what’s next for the project.
Sussex Chaplain helps found new Higher Education Chaplaincy conference
Collaboration and diversity were in focus at the launch of a new UK Higher Education Chaplaincy conference which was co-developed by James Croft, University Chaplain and Lead Faith Advisor at Sussex. The conference aims to create a more connected and compassionate environment on our campuses, honouring diverse belief systems and fostering mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration. The launch was attended by more than 80 chaplains from across the UK and Europe, providing an opportunity for chaplains across different faiths and belief systems to connect and share best practices and learn from each other about how to better serve students and staff.
Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation event on 18 November
This autumn, we will be welcoming Luke Tryl to Sussex for the next in our series of In Conversation events, which explore issues of liberation, equality, diversity and social justice. Luke is a public commentator and UK Director of More in Common, an organisation that seeks to understand what drives us apart so we can find common ground and build a more united, inclusive, and resilient society. Luke will be joining us on Tuesday 18 November at 5.30pm for a talk and panel discussion with members of the University community. Booking details will be available soon and the event is open to all.
With good wishes,
David Ruebain
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)
Recent events:
- International Youth Day, 12 August
Coming up:
- World Childless Week, 15-21 September
- National Inclusion Week, 15-21 September
- Bi Visibility Day, 23 September
Information about upcoming awareness days will be shared on the Staff Hub.
Further religious days and observances:
Pagan rituals will be held for Autumn Equinox (on 17 September) and Samhain (on 29 September), both outside the Meeting House at 1.30pm.
This work supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). You can read more about our work on the SDGs.