This is a reminder to please disseminate this call-to-action to register for these forthcoming Staff culture focus groups. If you identify with any of the focus groups, please do register to take part and please also share with any colleagues who may also want to be involved.
You can register for a focus group directly through Sea-Change Consultancy by emailing focusgroup@sea-changeconsultancy.com.

 

Following up on initial survey findings, from the recent staff culture survey to explore staff sense of belonging and inclusivity at the University, a series of six independently run focus groups (via Sea-Change Consultancy) are taking place to further explore some specific staff experiences.

 

The six chosen focus groups were created based on early survey insights, and previous work we have conducted. We are aware that not all professional profiles and characteristics are represented, however, this is the start of an ongoing conversation, and we will continue to engage with our staff community to explore other areas of insight moving forwards. We know that not everyone will be able to engage this time around, but please do keep a look out for future call outs for input.

 

Six different groups:

• Group 1: Staff in bands FA 1 - 4: Wednesday 22^nd June 14.00 – 16.00 (PLACES STILL AVAILABLE)

We want to explore general issues of equity and inclusiveness with staff in these bands who were underrepresented in our survey. We want to ensure staff in these bands have their voices heard and their concerns addressed through the work that we do.

 

• Group 2: Staff in bands FA 6, 7, 8: Thursday 23^rd June 10.00 – 12.00 (ONLY A FEW PLACES REMAINING)

We want to explore successes and challenges in driving forward equity, diversity, and inclusion with staff in these bands. We already have work underway with our most senior-grade staff, but we want to explore how we can drive forward equity, diversity, and inclusion with and through our staff in bands 6-8.

 

• Group 3: LGBTQUIA+ staff members: Tuesday 28^th June 10.00 – 12.00 (PLACES STILL AVAILABLE)

This group is for anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, undefined, intersex, asexual, and any other sexual identities other than straight or heterosexual. We conducted a useful survey as part of our Stonewall submission, but we did not conduct a follow-up listening exercise, and our most recent survey suggested this would be useful.

 

• Group 4: Disabled staff members: Thursday 30^th June 14.00 – 16.00 (PLACES STILL AVAILABLE)

This group is for any disabled member of staff. A disability is any long-term physical or mental health condition which has a significant, long-term impact on your day-to-day life and can include fluctuating and progressive conditions. We know there is more we can do to ensure our disabled colleagues feel a sense of belonging at the University and are able to thrive, and we want to explore that in this session.

 

• Group 5: Religion, faith and belief: Monday 4^th July 14.00 – 16.00 (PLACES STILL AVAILABLE)

This group is for anyone at the University who proactively practices a specific religion, faith or belief. We know the University has some good practice in this area, but we could do more. We will look at the inclusivity of university culture for those who practice a specific religion, faith or belief, and what the university can do to ensure staff of particular religions, faiths and beliefs are given the space and facilities to practice.

 

• Group 6: Women from minoritised ethnic backgrounds: Wednesday 6^th July 10.00 – 12.00 (PLACES STILL AVAILABLE)

This group is for any women who identify as being from a Black, Asian or other minoritized ethnic background. Our previous work has focussed on either race or gender, and we want this session to look specifically at the intersection of race and gender.

 

Registering for focus groups:

To register for a focus group please email focusgroup@sea-changeconsultancy.com providing details of which group you are interested in joining. Focus groups will be run online via Zoom and facilitated by trained and experienced consultants. If you have any access requirements, then please let Sea-Change know when you register. Each session is scheduled for two hours to allow time to unpack the issues and challenges and think about future action.

 

Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so if you identify with more than one of the groups outlined, you may want to provide your first and second choices. Sea-Change will liaise directly with you about the sessions once you have signed up, and so if you have any questions about the sessions, please do them directly via focusgroup@sea-changeconsultancy.com.