In January 2023, the University Funded Diversity and Inclusion launched a scheme to provide grants to support research initiatives across the University. These projects must be aimed at challenging discrimination and inequalities, increasing representation of under-represented groups, raising awareness of issues related to Diversity and Inclusion, and facilitating implementation of good practice at the university.
Applications were accessed by a judging panel consisting of Tina Purkis, Executive Director of HR, Professor Phil Vickerman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Student Experience and Moni Akinsanya, Associate Director, Diversity and Inclusion.
This funding opportunity received great interest from the university, and the panel received a high volume of applications which focused on the following:
- Black student attainment gap
- Care leavers
- People estranged from their families
- People from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities
- Neurodiversity
- Northern Irish students
- White young working-class male students
- Projects targeting specific demographics/groups of student/staff/community groups
- Decolonising/Inclusive curriculum
- Recruitment and progression of staff from ethnically diverse communities
After careful consideration of all applications, the judging panel decided to fund the following projects:
Helen Collins: Using the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boaters' (GTRSB) HE and Schools Pledge to increase Liverpool GTRSB into FE and HE
The objective of this project extends beyond LJMU's commitment to signing the GTRSB Pledge. It also aims to establish valuable partnerships within Liverpool's local community, including schools, further education colleges, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and employers. This collaborative effort seeks to create a pathway for recruiting a more diverse cohort of GTRSB students to LJMU. Additionally, it strives to ensure that high-quality, meaningful employment opportunities, emphasising training and development, are accessible to GTRSB graduates within Liverpool's skills ecosystem.
By becoming a GTRSB pledge university in the Northwest, LJMU will have a platform to advocate for change on both national and local levels. This includes contributing to the discussions held by the All-Party Parliamentary Group and actively engaging with GTRSB networks, advocacy groups, and activism within the local community.
Denise Lee: Lean in Construction for Girls
The objective of this project is to enlist between 5 and 10 female staff advocates/mentors, each dedicating 3 to 6 hours per week to mentor and support younger and other female students. In June 2023, an invitation was extended to all female staff members within the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment to participate in the inaugural ‘Lean In circle’ project. During this gathering, staff members established trust circles, facilitating the formation of peer-to-peer mentorship and support relationships. The overarching goal of this meeting is to recruit a cohort of 5 to 10 advocates/mentors who will contribute to this valuable initiative.
Elena Zaitseva: Understanding Barriers to Academic Achievement of Male Students from Low HE Participation Areas and Developing Institutional Interventions
The primary objective of this project is to uncover patterns in the experiences and perspectives of the group, with the ultimate goal of gaining a comprehensive understanding of the factors that hinder the academic achievement of white working-class male students. The aim is also to identify effective academic support approaches and interventions that can effectively address these challenges. The insights derived from this project will serve as the foundation for developing recommendations and interventions at multiple levels within the institution. These levels encompass pre-enrollment and induction activities, personalised guidance from tutors, resources and sessions aimed at enhancing academic achievement, as well as other student-facing services, including mental health and wellbeing support, and assistance with student finance, among others.
Ceri Daniels: ‘Story Creators’ - A collaborative inclusion project for LJMU students and pupils in the Liverpool City Region (LCR) with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
A collaborative inclusion initiative for LJMU students and pupils in the Liverpool City Region (LCR) with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). The project has since worked with 5 LJMU students from different courses such as Early Childhood Studies, Creative Writing, and English Literature and Creative Writing, to conduct 4 workshops with the assistance of a specialist lead facilitator, Heather J Ray from My Well Being School Australia. This project has created valuable opportunities for LJMU students to engage in a unique partnership with young individuals to share their stories.
Paula McNulty: ‘Intern to Work’ - A collaborative inclusion project for LJMU to partner with Liverpool City Council (LCC) to provide supported internships to students in the Liverpool City Region (LCR) with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
The primary objective of this project is to establish five supported internships tailored for young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within LJMU, complemented by the engagement of five LJMU student mentors to provide support for these individuals. In our society, there persists an expectation that marginalised groups should conform to the established norms, hindering their full inclusion. However, LJMU is committed to setting an example of inclusivity for all. In an ideal and socially just society, it is the responsibility of the broader community to adapt to the unique needs of marginalised groups. This adaptation ensures that all voices are not only heard but also celebrated, fostering a diverse and equitable environment. This fundamental principle underpins the core aim of our supported internship program.
Dominique Walker: #BlackintheIvory
The project is dedicated to equipping Black women with the essential tools they need for success in academia. Throughout the year, a series of sessions has been meticulously designed. These monthly sessions have garnered significant interest and participation, with consistent attendance by 10 to 20 Black women representing diverse backgrounds from various faculties, universities, and the local community.
Amos Fatokun: Clues in the Cues - Chronicling and Contextualising Non-Western Socio-Cultural Norms for Improved Student Experience
The project's objective is to create an online survey designed to capture the essential socio-cultural values and cues of undergraduate and postgraduate Ethnically Diverse students at LJMU and other UK institutions. These cues are particularly important for students who may have a distinct context or understanding of UK (or Western) cultures that could be misinterpreted.
The data collected through this survey will serve as the foundation for developing a comprehensive database or repository that houses these cues and clues. This repository can be continually expanded upon in the future. Its primary purpose is to promote and enhance inclusive learning and teaching practices by fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultural perspectives and values within the academic community.
Sarah Williams: You Can't Be What You Can't See
The primary objective of this project is to enhance the social capital of ethnically diverse HR students at LJMU by facilitating connections between them and ethnically diverse HR professionals in the Liverpool City Region. The project seeks to provide ethnically diverse students with valuable insights into the practical aspects of employment and training processes within organisations. To achieve this goal, the project will establish mentoring relationships by pairing students with HR professionals, drawing inspiration from the successful Reciprocal Mentoring Scheme at LJMU. Additionally, the project will organise customised workshops and events, fostering the creation of a supportive community of practice.
To optimise the impact and effectiveness of this initiative, the project start date has been backdated to October 2023, aligning with the beginning of the academic term. This adjustment will ensure that the project gains more momentum and has a broader reach, ultimately maximising its positive impact.
Simon Ward: The Experiences of Disabled Staff within a Higher Education Setting
The primary objective of this project is to amplify the voices of LJMU staff who identify themselves as disabled or having a disability. This endeavour is aligned with the university's commitment to fulfil its responsibilities under the Public Sector Equality Duty, as outlined in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. Specifically, the project aims to facilitate consultation with disabled employees, eliminate discrimination, foster greater understanding and empathy between individuals with disabilities and those without, and advance equal opportunities within the university.
Moreover, the project's findings are expected to contribute to LJMU's deeper understanding of areas where it may be necessary to implement "reasonable adjustments." These adjustments are vital to prevent substantial disadvantages for individuals, as mandated by section 20 of the Equality Act 2010.
