Equality, diversity and inclusion

In Teacher Education we are committed to social justice, inclusivity, diversity and accessibility. 

• We commit to raising the profile and importance of race equality and diversity, planning partnership activities to address and take forward key aspects of this work through the Teacher Partnerships Board.  
• We commit to supporting an applicant accepted onto a PGDE Primary programme from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BME) background through the Saroj Lal scholarship. 
• We commit to reviewing our staff recruitment approach and process, to ensure our staffing profile reflects our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). 
• We commit to  supporting staff in their professional learning around issues of EDI.   
• We commit to reviewing recruitment, selection and admissions processes to ensure minority ethnic applicants are encouraged and enabled to apply and we aim to remove any institutional barriers that may deter applicants. 
• We commit to looking into the development of outreach projects, community engagement, and networks for BME students and staff.  
• We commit to decolonising the curriculum and introducing anti-racist education within our ITE programmes. 

See the blog series from our Center for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland (CERES) 

The purpose of the EDI committee is to:

• remain abreast of Equality and Diversity guidance, initiatives and policy at College and University level.
• report to and advise the School Executive Committee on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion matters, including progress on related actions within the School Strategic action plan, progress of the Athena Swan action plan, and progress on other subgroups of the committee.
• take proactive steps to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion across the School and ensure that all members of our community are treated fairly.                
• identify and deliver actions to support the facilitation of an inclusive culture for all staff, ensuring equal access to opportunities. 
• make recommendations on staff development that equip staff with the skills to challenge inequality and discrimination in the work/study environment.
• ensure that any learning materials do not discriminate against individuals or groups via representation on the School Learning and Teaching Committee.
• ensure that School processes and procedures do not discriminate by reviewing identified issues and proposing recommendations to the School Executive Committee on how these can be remedied.
• ensure that student voice is represented on the committee.

The School Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee is committed to:

• elevating the importance of issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion for all members of our community.
• advancing equality across all the protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act 2010 (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation).
• working to identify and address issues of systemic discrimination and raise awareness around these issues, in particular those impacting the daily experiences of historically marginalised groups.
• supporting an environment in which all staff and students are treated with dignity and respect.