Diversity Initiatives

Earth Sciences aims to support equality, diversity and inclusion across the department, encompassing all aspects of inequality.  We consider inclusiveness to be fundamental to a supportive, progressive and successful Department. We aim for the Department to be a pleasant and supportive work and study environment for all, respecting the dignity of staff and students, regardless of their gender, gender identity, race, or disability. 

The University has a Staff LGBT Network. The group is open to all staff and postgraduate students, as well as their partners, friends and anyone else with an interest in LGBT issues.

Gender and unconscious bias are of huge importance in Earth Sciences, due to the low level of female participation at all levels, and the so called ‘leaky pipeline’ that leads to lower female participation as you move from undergraduates through to professorial level.  The department is engaged in two Athena Swan processes, looking at the influence of gender on all aspects of its operation. This includes student and staff recruitment, attainment and promotion of students and staff, and the equitable distribution of roles, responsibilities and remuneration. 

The department is also committed to supporting people with disabilities to achieve their full potential. We aim to do this by making reasonable and anticipatory adjustments and by working to prevent and eliminate discrimination arising from disability. 

Staff and students have the opportunity to raise issues regarding problems or discrimination via the module evaluation questionnaires and staff surveys, or by contacting the departmental disability representative.  More generally, requests for works (e.g. building alterations) that improve the environment for disabled students and staff are viewed as a high priority. 

Earth Science EDI Committee

The Earth Science EDI Committee remit is to support equality, diversity and best practice across the Department. The membership includes representatives from all sections of the Department.  If you have any thoughts, comments or feel affected by any of the issues raised, please let us know. Either speak to Jill Hoult (j.l.hoult@durham.ac.uk), Stuart Jones (stuart.jones@durham.ac.uk) or any of your other EDI representatives. Alternatively, or if you wish to remain anonymous, please use the suggestion sheets on level 2, marking the equality and diversity box.

Stuart Jones - Chair Earth Science EDI Committee

EDI Group Membership 2021-2022

Reporting 

Discrimination in all forms is unacceptable and the Department takes it very seriously. We thrive when we work and study in an environment in which respect is an integral part of our culture and in which people support each other, and can flourish. It is up to all of us, individually and collectively, to ensure that this happens.

Should you suffer any form of harassment, bullying or any other situation in which you are made to feel uncomfortable, the University has a group of Bullying and Harassment Support Advisors who can provide professional help. Incidents can also be reported via the Report & Support tool, either anonymously or with contact details. Whilst the department does not have professional expertise, your advisor, line manager or supervisor will listen and can help you to get the support you need. You can also anonymously report any issues in the department using the suggestion box on level 2.