Fairness = Funding
How does Fairness = Funding?
1. Legal Compliance:
The changing legal landscape requires funding institutions to comply with the 'Equality Act (2010)' and the 'Public Sector Equality Duty' (PSED), which is inclusive of laws relating to human rights, employment and service provision. Scottish universities are to demonstrate compliance with the 'PSED' as set out in a public legal document titled the Specific Duties. These duties differ in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK, refer to the main webpage: Public Sector Equality Duty.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) invests public funds (£989,523,619 for 2012-13) in Scotland’s HE sector for teaching, learning and research. The SFC is required to comply with the 'PSED', therefore in order to gain funding; universities must demonstrate compliance, emphasised on the SFC webpage: SFC Funding Allocations
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Webpage Example demonstrating how the E&D Officer can assist with funding. |
2 Good Practice Awards:
Research Councils UK (RCUK) unveiled its new Statement of Expectations for Equality and Diversity on 17 January 2013, which is intended to drive more rapid cultural change in the management of E&D in institutions receiving Research Council funding. The Statement sets out RCUK’s expectations and provides suggestions for evidence that institutions may wish to use.
More details available on webpage: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/research/Pages/Diversity.aspx
The Athena SWAN Charter is a scheme recognising gender equality in Science Engineering Technology (SET) employment in HE, involving E&D inclusion initiatives with the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) who support the Charter and who the E&D Officer works in partnership on projects. University award specific webpage: University Athena SWAN, School specific webpage: Athena SWAN Support webpage.
The European Commission HR Excellence in Research Award stems from the principles of 'The Concordat', which was signed by research bodies. HR and E&D elements are key to the employment award criteria. For info on how the University qualified to obtian the award and the the key contacts involved, refer to Press Release and webpage: HR Excellence
3 Delivering Equality & Embracing Diversity:
- Embedding the 'Equality & Diversity Inclusion Policy' across the institution
- Raising awareness of specific ‘Protected Characteristics’ through 'Equality Manager & Staff Briefings'
- Ensure training for managers and staff is compliant
- Capacity building with the diverse local population through engagement
- Monitoring equality outcomes in order to facilitate change
- In-house Equalities Support & Advice on policy/provision across the University
"Fairness = Funding" is an initiative first developed by Sukhi Bains (E&D Officer) to further strategic and operational equity (7 Nov 2011).