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EIU Newsletter November 2021

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Contents of this page

News and updates
In case you missed it
Awareness and religious dates 
Support and services

News and updates

Equality and Inclusion Unit team update  

The EIU team said a fond farewell to Sarah Ward (Equality and Inclusion Adviser) who retired from the University at the beginning of this month, after 12 years of service. We thank Sarah for everything that she did for the Unit and wish her an enjoyable retirement. 

Women at Leeds Network is seeking a new co-chair

Do you have the energy, enthusiasm and ideas to help take the network forward? If you’re committed to the WALN aims, and able to work collaboratively to advance them, then get in touch with current co-chairs Rachel Muers or Gillian Neild to find out more.

Event: Disability Rights in the Workplace, Monday 29 November, 12:30 - 14:00

The Chronic Pain and Fatigue Staff and PGR Network are hosting an online session which aims to outline the legal rights that protect disabled employees, with particular reference to the university workplace. Speaker Rebecca Jiggens, Director of Just Reasonable Ltd. will provide an introduction to disability law and reasonable adjustments. Find out more and book your place using the Disability Rights in the Workplace eventbrite webpage.

UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) 2021

UK Disability History Month 2021 runs from Thursday 18 November to Saturday 18 December. The annual initiative focuses on the history of disabled people’s fight for equality and human rights.  The month also includes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Friday 3 December, when the Parkinson Building will feature in the #PurpleLightUp campaign. See the list of events taking place and the support available for our disabled staff and students on the UKDHM event webpage.

In case you missed it

Inclusive Language Guidance

Guidance on the key principles of inclusive language is available on the EIU website to help you use language that promotes and embeds equality, diversity and inclusion. The guidance includes links to useful external online resources with up to date information about inclusive language and terminology.

Business Disability Forum Membership

The University has access to a range of benefits through our membership of the Business Disability Forum (BDF). The BDF Advice Service provides practical problem-solving help to managers and the BDF knowledge Hub has in-depth information and on a range of topics to support disabled employees. To access your BDF membership benefits register with your University of Leeds email address on the BDF signup webpage. You can also sign up for the BDF newsletter for the latest updates and news in the world of disability and business. 

Join the Disability Staff Network

Dax Everritt is setting up a Disability Staff Network which will run alongside similar groups such as the LGBT Staff Network and the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Staff Network. Please contact Dax at D.Everritt@leeds.ac.uk if you are interested in joining or supporting as a co-chair of the network.  

Awareness and religious dates 

November 2021

1-30 Nov Islamophobia Awareness Month 
14-21 Nov - Interfaith Week
17 Nov - International Students’ Day
18 Nov - LGBTQ+ STEM Day
18 Nov-20 Dec - UK Disability History Month
19 Nov - International Men's Day
25 Nov - White Ribbon Day
26 Nov - Carers' Rights Day
28 Nov-6 Dec - Hannukah - Judaism*

December 2021

8 Dec - Bodhi Day - Buddhist

*Please note the major Jewish festivals begin in the evening of the festival start date. Please see the Jewish Religious Observance guidance for more information.

Support and services

Carers Leeds Appointments 

Carers Leeds offer free confidential appointments to University of Leeds staff who care for a family member or a friend with an illness, disability or addiction. The aim of these 40-minute appointments is to provide a wide range of practical advice, support and information to working carers.

Next appointment: Thursday 9 December

To book an online or telephone appointment, please contact equality@leeds.ac.uk
Find out more about support for staff with caring responsibilities on the EIU website.

Meno-Pause for Thought Café

Meno-Pause for Thought Cafés are informal meet-ups hosted monthly on Teams, which create time and a safe, respectful and confidential space to discuss the menopause. The cafés are open to everyone irrespective of age or gender and no one is advised to follow any particular course of action in them. 

Next session: Monday 29 November 15:30  – 16.30. To book your place visit the Meno-Pause for Thought Café Eventbrite webpage.

 

Staff Networks

Staff peer support networks are organised by staff for staff, providing a safe space for colleagues to reach out to others within the University who identify with a protected group or who have specific interests. They provide a safe, welcoming and practical platform, where exchanging information, generating and sharing views and new ideas can be expressed in an informal environment. The networks also enable peer support, networking opportunities and social activities. Current staff networks are as follows:

Chronic Pain and Fatigue Network

Leeds11 Network

LGBT+ Staff Network

Muslim Staff Network

Women at Leeds Network 

We hope you find this newsletter useful. We welcome your feedback. Please email us with any comments or suggestions for future newsletter items.