Faculty of Social Sciences — Equity Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter — January 2026
Medium | 14.01.2026 14:49
Faculty of Social Sciences — Equity Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter — January 2026
UoL FSS - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
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How to contact us:
If you’d like to get in touch with the Faculty EDI Team you can:
- Email us at FSS.EDI@leeds.ac.uk.
- Provide anonymous feedback by completing this Microsoft Form.
- Book a meeting with Faculty EDI Manager (Nick Burdett).
Included in this edition:
- Faculty EDI Updates
- Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- EDI Learning and Development for Staff and PGRs
- New EDI Related Guidance for Staff
- University EDI Updates
- Reminders of Further Support You Can Access
Faculty EDI Updates
EDI Student Advisory Board
In November we welcomed a new team of 27 EDI Student Advisory Board members. Our EDI Student Advisory Board includes students from all four Faculty of Social Sciences schools, all levels of study, and a range of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
As part of their induction we discussed what areas they would like to focus on this year which we split into the following key themes.
- Enhancing EDI Impact and the Value of Diversity
- Student Education
- Ensuring that Everyone Belongs
Please reach out to FSS.EDI@leeds.ac.uk if you might benefit from the insights of our Student Advisory Board in your own work, or to find out more about their work.
Microaggressions Awareness Campaign
Following feedback from staff and students, and with thanks to our colleagues in the School of Medicine, we have launched the Faculty of Social Sciences Microaggressions Awareness Campaign.
Please look out for this campaign across all Faculty of Social Sciences buildings over the coming months.
Faculty Race Equity Working Group
Following the sharing of the Faculty Race Equity Action Plan last semester, the Faculty has established a new Race Equity Working Group which will commence work from January 2026. This group, which includes members from all schools within the Faculty of Social Sciences, will support the delivery of the Action Plan and ensure accountability for progress.
This plan aligns with our institutional commitments under the Race Equality Charter, and we continue to work closely with colleagues across the University of Leeds to support all staff to have an equitable experience.
Staff can find our more about our Race Equity work on our EDI intranet page here.
MEG Network Relaunch
Last month, the new student leads of the Social Sciences Ethnic Minority Network hosted their first major event: “Keepin’ It Real: Real Talk, Real Connections.”
Students Create Collaborative Zine to Celebrate Black History Month
To celebrate Black History Month 2025, students from the Faculty of Social Sciences participated in a zine-making workshop.
Organised by the Faculty and hosted by Dr James Greenwood-Reeves (School of Law) and Haworth Towler (Library Services), the event explored this year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.”
Faculty Community of Practice — Staff Induction Theme
In November we held our first Community of Practice session of this academic year, based on the theme of Staff Induction.
From this session we agreed to take forwards the following ideas and create task and finish groups to support some positive changes that will hopefully benefit us all.
1 — Support each School (and the Faculty Office) to produce a comprehensive and accessible single source of information that signposts all staff to the support and information that they might need.
2 — Develop an acronym/terminology glossary to support those who may feel less comfortable asking for explanations of a number of terms that are specific to the University of Leeds.
3 — Create the means to capture consistent feedback on staff induction experiences to inform ongoing improvements across the Faculty.
4 — Audit the current University Staff Induction checklists for accuracy and escalate any issues that arise.
If you are interested in supporting any of these tasks please contact FSS.EDI@leeds.ac.uk.
Exploring the Power of Community and Hope in Teaching
In 2025, we invited Professor Kevin Gannon to lead a workshop on pedagogies of hope and meaningful learning.
In this video, he reflects on how solidarity and shared purpose can drive positive change in education. He explains why the scholarship of teaching and learning is mission-critical to creating meaningful learning experiences and fostering a sense of belonging for every student in increasingly challenging times.
Access the recording of the Kevin Gannon workshop here.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Ramadan Drop-In (for all Staff and Students) — 27th January/3rd February
Drop-in to speak with our Muslim Student Advisors who shall be available to answer any questions you might have about Ramadan, and how to support those in our community who celebrate Ramadan.
No registration is required to attend these sessions.
Community of Practice — LGBTQ+ Inclusion — Thursday 12th February (Staff and PGRs)
The next meeting of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Community of Practice will be a joint session between the Faculties of Environment and Social Sciences, focusing on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
It will take place on Thursday February 12th, 10.30–1 pm, in Seminar Room 8.119, School of Earth and Environment.
We would be delighted for any staff or PGRs from across the two faculties to join us for this event, including members of the LGBTQ+ communities and all allies, advocates and friends.
Please register for the event by completing this Microsoft Form.
PGR Diversity Events and Opportunities (for PGR’s)
The PGR Diversity Team are hosting a range of optional activities to support PGRs. These sessions are designed to support your research, wellbeing, and sense of community:
1. PGR Diversity Spring Sip and Paint
11th February 2026 — 12:00pm-16:00pm
You can find out more information and sign up here.
2. PGR Diversity Welcome Party!
19th February 2026 — 12:00pm-14:30pm
You can find out more information and sign up here.
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3. PGR Diversity Welcome Party!
25th February 2026 — 12:00pm-14:30pm
You can find out more information and sign up here.
4. Introduction to Project Management Training- full day on campus!
17th March 2026 — 9:00am-16:30pm
You can find out more information and sign up here.
5. PGR Diversity Spring Film Screening
18th March 2026 — 12:30pm-15:30pm
You can find out more information and sign up here.
The Turing Scheme — Funding Opportunity (for Students and PGR’s)
The Turing Scheme provides funding for students and postgraduate researchers from a range of under-represented backgrounds to take part in life-changing experiences to study, work or volunteer abroad.
Find out more about the Turing Scheme here.
Chief Operating Officer Open Meeting — 20 January 14:30–15:30pm (for Staff)
FSS Staff can join the next Open Meeting to hear the latest updates from Chief Operating Officer, Rachel Brealey, including an update on the Professional Services redesign. This will be followed by an exciting preview of Campus Reimagined Live! 2026.
Rachel will then be joined by Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Chris Hall, and EDI Manager Laura York. Chris will introduce the University’s EDI Delivery Plan and outline what colleagues can expect in terms of EDI priorities and activities in the next two years. Laura will explain the University’s new Workplace Adjustments Process and how colleagues can help embed it.
Find out more and register for this meeting here.
EDI Learning and Development for Staff and PGR’s
Refreshed EDI Learning Module for Staff and PGR’s
The Introduction to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) online, interactive module is aimed at providing foundational understanding of key EDI concepts and how we can put them into practice in our community.
Introduction to Accessible Teaching, Learning and Work course
Digital accessibility is key to our commitment of providing an inclusive environment for all, and this course provides staff with a firm foundation for understanding disability, legislation and practical solutions to build into your educational and working practices.
The course is designed for all staff and should take 45–60 minutes to complete.
Click here to find out more about the Introduction to Accessible Teaching, Learning and Work course.
New EDI Related Guidance for Staff
Embedding the Workplace Adjustments Process
To support inclusive practice across the University of Leeds, a set of resources has been developed to help embed the Workplace Adjustments Process for staff into day to day working practices.
These resources are designed to support employees, line managers, and service partners in understanding their roles and responsibilities, and in creating a culture of trust, inclusion, and proactive support.
Staff can access resources to help embed the Workplace Adjustments Process here.
Event Accessibility Guidance
Here at the University of Leeds, we strive to make every event as accessible, inclusive and welcoming as possible.
On this page, we’ve compiled some guidance to help you to ensure attendees have the best possible experience.
Click here for guidance on how you can make your events more accessible.
Reading List Diversification Toolkit
The Libraries have created this practical and user-friendly ‘Reading List Diversification Toolkit’ to support academic colleagues in diversifying and enriching their reading lists. This allows course leaders to present a more authentic picture of their field and introduce fresh perspectives to their teaching.
Click here to access the Reading List Diversification Toolkit.
Enhanced Support for Families
A refreshed and improved family leave offer has been introduced by the University and will apply when an employee’s expected week of childbirth is on or after 1 January 2026.
Click here to view the full range of University policies relating to Family Support.
Information on Religious Festivals
Faith is an integral part of the identity, culture, and way of life for many of our staff and students. At our university, we recognise the importance of faith and uphold freedom of expression, enabling everyone to bring their whole selves to work and study. This commitment fosters a sense of belonging and supports success for all.
Please follow this link to view our new Religious Festivals page on the Staff Intranet.
University EDI Updates
UK to rejoin Erasmus+
Accents at Work
Colleagues are invited to share their experiences of how their accents influence life at work.
Accents are uniquely influenced by people’s upbringing, language background and life experiences, and they often affect how people perceive each other within seconds of speaking.
The anonymous ‘Voices at Work survey’ is open to adults working in the UK and asks participants to consider whether they have felt advantaged or disadvantaged by people’s reactions to their accent at work. You’re welcome to share the following link with your networks and contacts beyond the University.
Click here to participate in the Voices at Work survey.
You can find out more about the University’s ongoing work surrounding tackling accent bias here.
Reminders of Further Support You Can Access
Staff Peer Support Networks
Staff Peer Support Networks are organised by staff for staff, providing a space for staff to connect to other colleagues. A number of staff networks support members of staff who are part of a protected group.
A full list of these networks, and information about how to get involved, can be found here.
LUU Student Clubs and Societies
Leeds University Union has over 300 clubs and societies for students to join. A number of these are linked to specific identities, or those who identify with a protected group. This includes groups for people of different nationalities or faiths, as well as groups involved with volunteering or campaigning around a wide range of issues.
Find the full list of student societies, and information about joining, here.
The Faculty of Social Sciences EDI Team
Though it is essential for EDI to be supported by all members of our Faculty community — please see below a list of useful contacts with specific EDI related responsibilities:
- Faculty EDI Manager: Nick Burdett
- Faculty Project Support Officer: Beth Lavery
Our Faculty EDI Manager and Project Support Officer work closely with School EDI Leads within each of our schools, these are:
- Education: Helen Niemiec
- Law: Amrita Mukherjee
- Politics and International Studies: Kerri Woods
- Sociology and Social Policy: Hannah Morgan
Staff Equality Data — Update yours using Employee Self Service!
The University collects data on identities & characteristics so that we can understand our communities and take steps to ensure that the University is an equitable, diverse & inclusive place to work.
