'Action' is at the core of our new EDI governance structure, which was implemented in the last academic year. The College is starting to see tangible outcomes from this work; for example, an external review of our recruitment process has identified new practices we can adopt to ensure we reach a diverse applicant pool, and offer an inclusive and fair recruitment experience to all applicants.
We have also launched a new suite of EDI training which is mandatory for all colleagues: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, Unconscious Bias, Allyship, and Bullying and Harassment. These courses are designed to provide a fundamental basis for understanding issues around inequity and inclusion in an intersectional way. This includes the legislative context and microaggressions, with specific examples about race.
These courses offer opportunities for us to reflect on the impact of our practices, and how we can play a key role in promoting a fair and inclusive culture. They provide practical tools to have the confidence to interact in an inclusive and supportive way, and challenge discriminatory practices if we come across them, moving from theory to action.
A current focus is also on empowering our managers and leaders to be inclusive through investing in upcoming Inclusive Leadership training. We have also offered Race Awareness and Race Inclusion training to our Senior Leaders, to enhance both learning and practice.
However, we know that training alone is not enough without implementation of action. We are working hard to remove individual, cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion and development, and ensuring that all work relating to promoting awareness around equality and inclusion, including race inequality, are acknowledged, valued and considered in College processes.
Additionally, our upcoming Conversations About Race sessions are designed to create safe spaces for our community of students and colleagues to engage in meaningful, honest, and at times challenging discussions about their experiences of race, regardless of their background.