Our Current Focus

Key Priorities 2010 - 2012

The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1st October. The Act draws together nine separate pieces of legislation, and aims to provide a simpler, more consistent and more effective legal framework for preventing discrimination.
Under the Equality Act 2010 the University has a specific duty to publish information, relating to employees, policies and practice, and
students - please see Equality Report below.
The Equality Act (internal)
The Equality Report

ETI Actions: Many of our departments and faculties have updated or developed new equality and diversity action plans as part of the University's ETI Strategy and we are working with the remaining ones.
Equality and Diversity Board: We will continue to support departments in progressing their equality and diversity actions, and reporting progress to the EDB.
Equality Impact Assessments: the University continues to carry out EIAs to ensure we are not discriminating unlawfully, and to recognise opportunites to promote equality and diversity.

Raising awareness: we have held a series of high profile equality focussed events, involving staff, students and external bodies, with the aim of bringing people together to discuss issues and future action
Staff Voice: we believe staff networks developed in partnership with specific staff groups are a positive way of listening to and supporting our staff
External Networks: we are also members of a number of regional and national networks, and will continue to work with external stakeholders

Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Trans equality is a current focus of our work. The University is a Stonewall Diversity Champion, and we will continue to work to support staff in creating a visible LGBT presence on campus.
Out@Work: a celebratory day of discussions and workshops
LGBT Staff Network
Stonewall

Mental health: in October 2008 we held a day of debate and discussion to begin the process of tackling the stigma around Mental ill-health. Our aim is to convene a working group to progress this important area. If you would like to get involved, please contact m.j.ford@sheffield.ac.uk