Kirstie Haywood, Professor

What is your role at WMS?

I am a professor in Warwick Research in Nursing (WRiN), in the Division of Health Sciences, and Deputy Pro-Dean People. My research focus is on patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life – working collaboratively with key stakeholders from across the healthcare community to ensure that the way in which we assess health outcomes is relevant and robust. I work closely with patients and members of the public in this endeavour to ensure that their voice and lived experience informs this work. In my teaching role I lead the phase II Advanced Cases 1 Block on the MBChB course – an important transition point for students as they move from predominantly University based learning towards a more clinical, and patient-based, approach to learning and growth towards becoming doctors of the future! I am also deputy to the Phase II lead. Since 2018 I have been the co-chair of WMS’s Athena SWAN activities, leading the school towards its current Silver award in 2019.

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 Why did you volunteer to be an EDI champion?

I’m a great believer in the strength that can be achieved from celebrating and nurturing the diversity within our community – we all have so many varied talents and skills which should be celebrated and supported. However, for many, additional support is required to ensure that these talents are recognised, that people can flourish, and contribute fully within society. It is beholden to us as a community to ensure that we listen to and understand the needs and experiences of others – so that appropriate, and on-going, support is provided. Working clinically with patients was my first insight to these challenges – that disability should not be a disabler. I believe that working collaboratively with individuals who experience barriers to full engagement with society is crucial to advancing successful EDI across our community – it’s why I volunteer!

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How can you help colleagues and students at WMS in terms of EDI?

As chair of WMS’s Athena SWAN activities I am always available to discuss any EDI concerns, challenges, or innovations that colleagues may have. We have a very active team – including a fabulous student-led group – and are responsive to new approaches that may raise the profile of EDI across the WMS community and beyond. Please do get in touch (k.l.haywood@warwick.ac.uk). Athena SWAN is so much more than gender equality! Please do come along to one of our meetings to find our more and see how you can get involved – we are always delighted to welcome new Athena SWAN and ED&I Champions!

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What does EDI mean to you how do you think we can achieve real progress in this area?

I believe that equality of opportunity is a key element of a successful community – understanding individual needs and experiences is central to providing appropriate support. To achieve this requires open and honest dialogue which fosters relationships that are grounded in trust. I believe that WMS and the University of Warwick have invested significantly in developing EDI and supporting a flourishing and diverse community. However, we can always do more! Greater transparency in EDI initiatives will demonstrate to the community that we are being proactive in our endeavours to improve ED&I. Collaborative and active engagement – community partnerships - will ensure that initiatives are both owned by and responsive to the needs, concerns and real-life experiences of our community.