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EIU Newsletter October 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

Chronic Fatigue Conditions Seminar 

The Chronic Pain and Fatigue Staff and PGR Network hosted an informal seminar to discuss good practice for supporting colleagues with long Covid and other chronic fatigue conditions. View the online seminar recording to find out from those with lived experiences and line managers about the challenges and support available to help colleagues with hidden health conditions.   

Trans Awareness Seminar

Dr Catherine Baker (University of Hull) recently gave a seminar at the University on 'Creating an Inclusive Environment for Trans Students and Staff'.  The session focused on the barriers and disadvantages that trans people in Higher Education can face, and the ways the University can work to promote a trans inclusive culture.  Watch the online trans seminar recording by signing-in with your University username and password. The recording will be available until Friday 5 November 2021. 

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. 

Business in the Community Membership

Leeds is now a member of Business in the Community (BITC) – the largest and longest-established membership organisation dedicated to responsible business. Membership covers a range of topics, including environment, community, age, race, gender and health and wellbeing. It also includes access to a range of member-only events, resources, guides and insight reports. Visit the BITC registration webpage for newsletters and access to toolkits, case studies and webinars, tailored to the interests you specify. 

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.  

In case you missed it

Advancing Disability Equality 

The University Disability Equality Framework has been published, outlining the vision for progressing disability equality for staff and students over the next four years. The framework focuses on the key areas of culture, the working environment, student education, research culture and infrastructure.     

World Mental Health Day

It was World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10th October and the theme this year was ‘Mental health in an unequal world'.

Awareness and religious dates 

October 2021

1-31 Oct - Black History Month 
18 Oct - World Menopause Day 
20 Oct - Installation of the Scriptures as Guru Granth - Sikhism

November 2021

1-30 Nov - Islamophobia Awareness Month 
4 Nov - Diwali
14 -21 Nov - Interfaith Week 

Black History Month 2021

Leeds11, Partners and Friends are very proud to be bringing you their celebratory programme for Black History Month 2021. Please visit the EIU website to find out more, view the events and book a place. 

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 appointments: Thursday 11 November. 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: Thursday 28 October 15:00 – 16:00. 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 contact us with any comments or suggestions for future newsletter items.