Equality and Diversity at Durham University

Managing Equality & Diversity

The following section provides information on how the University manages Equality and Diversity.

Durham University Diversity and Equality Advisory Group (DEAG)

Diversity and Equality Advisory Group (DEAG) is responsible for advising UEC on the strategic direction of Equality and Diversity across the University for all staff, students and visitors. The responsibilities of DEAG are to:

• Provide advice and guidance on Equality and Diversity related policies;
• Develop, review and monitor progress on the Equality and Diversity Strategy and Objectives taking into account legislation in this area and drawing upon good practice within the HE and other sectors;
• Co-ordinate all areas of E&D work with the aim of meeting Diversity Objectives;
• Receive and consider reports on external accreditation and lessons learned;
• Receive and consider an annual report on staff and students from the Dean of Equality and Diversity;
• Provide a termly report to UEC with commentary and recommendations;
• Provide a forum to discuss good practice from across the University in relation to equality and diversity, and;
• Establish ad hoc working groups to develop major projects and to report back to the Advisory Group on progress.

Meetings will normally be held termly. Colleagues relevant to particular items of business will be invited to attend as appropriate. Otherwise the membership is as follows:

Policies

We have a number of key policies, strategies and action plans which steer our work. Our policies include:

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Respect at Work
• Respect at Study
• Gender Identity
• Trans and Intersex Inclusion Policy (which is our statement of support for staff and students participating in extra-curricular sport to practice and compete with the team that best fits their gender identity)

Membership of the Sexual Violence & Misconduct Operations Group

The Sexual Violence and Misconduct Operations Group has been established to carry forward the work of the Sexual Violence Task Force, facilitating implementation of the recommendations produced by the SVTF, and embedding a permanent structure for the review and monitoring of University operations linked to issues of sexual violence and misconduct, including evaluation and review of policy, procedures, and training, and assurance reporting.

Bullying and Harassment Network

We have a network of bullying and harassment contacts that can assist staff and students with enquiries, and provide information on University policies and sources of help and support.

The network acts as a first point of contact for those who feel they have experienced, or have been accused of, harassment or bullying. Contact officers are able to provide impartial, confidential guidance to help people to understand what options and services are available to them.

Our network is made up of volunteers from across both academic and professional support staff within the University. All have received training to support them to undertake this role. A list of contacts is available on the website below, where you can find out more about their location and how to get in touch. More formal advice on options available to staff experiencing bullying and harassment is also available from our HR Advisors.