Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)
Content for this month:
- Black History Month and Black at Sussex conference
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion Action Plan
- Open Listening Programme workshops
- Biennial staff survey
- National Hate Crime Awareness Week
- Upcoming religious observances
Black History Month and Black at Sussex conference
October is Black History Month UK, and this year the theme is ‘Honouring Our Communities’, a call to recognise the Black people whose everyday contributions hold our society together but too often go unseen: the teachers, nurses, carers, volunteers and organisers who show up for others without asking to be noticed. As Bud Johnston, Black at Sussex project manager writes in his article about Black History Month, this is at the heart of Black at Sussex, asking ourselves whose work we value, whose stories we tell, and whose contributions we may have overlooked.
Our main event this Black History Month is our Black at Sussex conference taking place next week on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 October here on campus. All are welcome to join us for this very special event bringing together academics, students, staff, alumni, community partners and business leaders for an engaging programme of guest lectures, panel discussions, a keynote address, interactive workshops and networking opportunities. The brilliant photographer and friend of the University Charlie Phillips will receive his honorary degree during the conference as he was unable to join us at our Winter graduation ceremony earlier this year.
Even if you are unable to join the other events, I do encourage you to join the keynote and panel discussion on Tuesday 27 October, starting at 6pm. It will be led by the Hon. Dr Stuart Lawrence, joined by Sussex alumni Denise Noble, Ife Thompson and Daniel Akinbosede. Book your free tickets.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion Action Plan
The University has launched a revised LGBTQ+ Inclusion Action Plan, reinvigorating and strengthening its ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ staff and students, supporting the University strategy Sussex 2035 and our Inclusive Sussex Framework. The two-year plan sets out clear timeframes, named action owners, and success indicators for each commitment. Every action has been co-developed with staff and students and shaped by a wide range of voice mechanisms, including Staff Survey results, a qualitative survey of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, feedback from the Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network and Students' Union officers, and discussions within the LGBTQ+ Steering Group. The University also drew on its broader strategic commitments, ongoing legal developments, and sector-wide good practice and benchmarking.
Open Listening Programme workshops
Our Open Listening Programme is one way in which we aim to build a culture of understanding and connection at Sussex. New experiential and practical introductory workshops running in November, March and May will give you the chance to explore conflict theory and the principles and practice of Open Listening Space. No previous experience is required, just an open mind and a willingness to engage: find out more and book a place at one of the workshops.
Biennial staff survey
Following the short ‘pulse survey’ of staff sentiment last year, our next full staff survey will take place in the summer term of this academic year. This is a few months later than recent staff surveys, which have been conducted in the autumn term. It is important to maintain the frequency of staff surveys, not least so that we can understand trends as well as snapshots of thoughts and feelings, but we have decided to delay the next staff survey as we are currently in the middle of a significant process of reorganisation and loss of staff.
As always, the trade unions, staff networks, regular all-staff VC Forums, and other local meetings enabling feedback in teams, Divisions, Faculties and Schools are available. It is worth reiterating that anyone can report any unwanted behaviours such as bullying, harassment, hate incidents, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, through our Report + Support tool, which can be used anonymously.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week
National Hate Crime Awareness Week ran from 10 to 17 October and was a week of action to encourage the authorities (Government, Police and Councils), key partners (business and voluntary sectors) and communities affected by hate crime to work together to tackle hate crime across the UK. Creating a community where everyone feels safe and respected and feels that they belong is central to tackling hate and prejudice. This commitment is reflected in our approach to Dignity, Respect and Inclusion.
Upcoming religious observances
A great many religious festivals and holy days happen over the coming weeks. Hindu staff and students may have been absent to attend religious ceremonies and celebrations on 20 October for Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil. 1 and 2 November are All Saints' and All Souls' Day, important days in the Christian calendar which honour the saints and commemorate the faithful departed. Diwali and Deepavali, major festivals in Hinduism and Jainism, are marked on 8 November, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Also on 8 November is Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh day that commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment. The Birth of the Báb (10 November) and the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (11 November) are important Bahá’í holy days and Bahá’ís are expected to suspend work on these days. 31 October to 1 November is the period of Samhain, important to Pagans and Wiccans, and marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
I wish everyone celebrating and observing a meaningful and productive time.
With good wishes
David
Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)