We are following up with members of the CHEAD EDI Alliance on the recent meeting which took place online. The event brought members of the CHEAD EDI Alliance together for the first time - an opportunity for delegates to network and share experiences. The event also aimed to continue a conversation about shaping the future of the EDI Alliance.
The event was chaired by Professor Richard Sawdon Smith, Professor of Fine Art and Programme Director for Fine Art and Photography at Norwich University of the Arts, CHEAD Trustee and member of the CHEAD EDI working group.
Following a welcome from Richard, attendees were asked to introduce themselves and share a success story or update in relation to the institutional EDI role. We learnt about a range of exciting initiatives taking place from strategic planning to actions on the ground including mapping student journeys to scholarships and reviewing graduate attributes.
We then welcomed guest speaker Shakira Martin, currently Head of Student Experience at Rose Bruford College and former president of the National Union of Students 2017-19. Shakira was elected as the first black woman to hold the role and the second to study at a Further Education College.
Shakira delivered an energising and challenging speech, covering her own experiences but also taking us through the student journey and how EDI intersects at a number of key points along the way.
Shakira highlighted areas to consider such as the whole Institutional approach in relation to EDI and to look beyond our teaching and learning remit to areas including procurement policies, leadership teams and boards of governors. Shakira urged members to map progress and have a clear goal to aim for.
Then followed an open discussion for attendees to discuss EDI themes within higher education institutions and to look forward to the future of the EDI Alliance. Topics explored in the open discussion included:
» The value and importance of the student voice » Race equality training for colleagues and students » Collective responsibility » Embed EDI through course revalidation and new courses » What does EDI mean for us as a university » Mapping student journeys including for different groups/communities of students »Consider OfS regulatory powers in relation to Equality of Opportunity »Importance of documenting impact and data
Attendees were invited to put themselves forward to join the CHEAD EDI working group to further enhance CHEAD's work in this area and help us to deliver some of the suggestions made by attendees including the creation of a student panel.
Going forward, the EDI Alliance is looking at delivering a knowledge sharing event in the new year. The CHEAD website has a discussion forum area on the website and members of the EDI Alliance are invited to contribute.
If you have any questions regarding the EDI Alliance, please do not hesitate to get in touch via: anna@chead.ac.uk
