Our presentation at the UoN Learning and Teaching conference

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Last week we presented our work(-in-progress) at the University of Northampton Learning and Teaching Conference 2022. Our talk introduced our project; discussed the key findings from both our literature review, and our scoping exercise of the various related training opportunities and events already available at UoN (see below); and outlined our draft questionnaire.

Barriers/challenges: 1) Staff knowledge, attitudes, fears and resistance: Lack of knowledge about race and racism/“Lack of belief among staff that their own institutions are racist” (Bunce et al); "Perception that racism is an external, societal problem rather than an internal, institutional one” (Bunce et al); Perception that the attainment/continuation gaps are due to students’ abilities rather than institutional factors (‘deficit model’); Not knowing where to start/what works/what to prioritise; Fear of saying ‘the wrong thing’/being politically incorrect; 2) Institutional/external: Lack of support from manager/colleagues/institution; Lack of joint approach/piecemeal provision of training and development; Lack of time/resources

Some of the key findings from our literature review (image credit: Jim Harris)

The audience also participated in a quick live survey on whether they had heard about all the training and events on offer at UoN. We got some excellent feedback and suggestions from the audience, and are currently working on incorporating some of those suggestions into the draft questionnaire.

1) E-learning offered at UoN: Equality and Diversity (e-learning) – Mandatory for all staff members; Challenging Unconscious Bias E-Learning (via elumos); LinkedIn Learning - Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Equality, Diversity, and Belonging for All; Cultural Competence; Bystander Training; Become an Inclusive Leader; UON Key Behaviour: Enabling Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Union Black: Britain’s Black cultures and steps to anti-racism (online course via Santander and Open University); 2) Training events offered at UoN: Managing Equality and Diversity – for Managers; Supporting the Student Experience – Part of the Induction; How to Be a Good Ally; Discovering Issues in Decolonisation – decolonising L&T at University of Northampton; 3) Networking/working groups offered at UoN: Anti-Racist Book Club; DELTA project - exploring decolonization dissemination events; Staff Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Forum; ‘Union Black’ - related L&T Action Learning Set; 4) GEM Network events: Black History Month Observation in October; Launch of GEM's JEWELS project – Juvenile Employment Wellbeing Empowerment and Livelihoods for Success; #BlackintheIvory – virtual online conference re-branding the BAME network to GEM and presentations of research conducted by network members on the attainment gap; GEM Network Social media campaign led by network members highlighting the achievements of the Black British community

Some key findings from our scoping exercise of the various training and events already offered at UoN (image credit: Jim Harris)

 We’re excited to be moving to the next phase of our project soon – watch this space for more information on the launch of our questionnaire!

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