Equality and Diversity
This page is dedicated to providing information and help surrounding Equality and Diversity both in the Department of Statistics and the wider University.
Women
Step Forward [https://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/step-forward/] is a Personal Development Programme for Women, open to all women students (those who identify as women) in all subject areas at Oxford University.
OxFEST [https://www.ox-fest.org/] (Oxford Females in Engineering, Science, and Technology) is one of the largest student-led societies at the University of Oxford. OxFEST promotes gender equality in STEM subjects by supporting women studying or working in these fields, spreading awareness of diversity issues in STEM, and encouraging community members to become advocates.
RisingWISE [https://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/training/enterprise/enterprising-women/risingwise-a-new-enterprise-course-by-and-for-women] is a newly established Oxbridge network inspired by EnterpriseWISE: designed by women for women and delivered entirely by women.
Enterprising Women [https://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/training/enterprise/enterprising-women] aims to encourage, inspire and support the participation of female STEM researchers (those who identify as women or non-binary) in innovation and entrepreneurship, through a variety of events and programmes. Check out the podcasts ]https://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/training/enterprise/enterprising-women/enteprising-women-podcasts].
The Oxford Women’s Newsletter (OWN) is published fortnightly during term time and once a month during the long vacation. It contains news, resources and events, and celebrates the achievements of women at Oxford. To subscribe, send email to gender.equality@admin.ox.ac.uk.
University of Oxford Podcasts: Women of Achievement [https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/series/women-achievement] is a lecture series showcasing the enormous range of women’s careers and raising the profile of women of high achievement in order to increase the range of role models accessible to challenge and inspire women at Oxford.
Guidance on family leave https://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/during/family/ including maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, shared parental leave, unpaid parental leave and fertility treatment leave.
Black and Minority Ethnic
The University’s participation in the Race Equality Charter https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/race-equality-charter provides a framework for analysis and results in a comprehensive action plan to promote race equality.
BME Staff Network https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/bme-staff-network offers information and subscription to the Black and Minority Ethnic staff network.
The Target Oxbridge http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2019-04-12-high-achieving-black-teens-get-first-taste-oxford-life-spring-visit programme helps high-achieving black students gain places at the UK’s top universities.
Every two weeks in term-time the Equality and Diversity Unit compiles a Race Equality Newsletter rounding up talks, events, and projects that may be of interest. To subscribe, please email: race-equality-network-subscribe@maillist.admin.ox.ac.uk.
The BME Staff Network and Equality and Diversity Unit of the University of Oxford celebrate Black History Month http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2019-10-01-oxford-students-celebrate-black-history-month every October with a series of content streams and events recognising and appreciating the contributions that BME communities make to society and the University itself.
Mental Health
As an employer we recognise that, in the UK, people experiencing mental ill health continue to report stigma and discrimination. We are committed to creating a supportive and open culture, where colleagues are able to talk about mental health. We are also committed to ensuring that our employees feel safe in disclosing any mental health conditions and confident that they will be properly supported and offered reasonable adjustments when required. The University of Oxford signed Mindful Employer’s Charter for Employers Who Are Positive About Mental Health in February 2018.
The University has a wide range of resources to help individuals manage Mental Health problems, as well as resources for managers and teams to help support each other.
The University of Oxford Counselling Service https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/counselling?wssl=1 helps students gain understanding and insight into any difficulties they may be experiencing, to develop emotional resilience and put into effect real change, enabling them to fulfil your academic and personal potential.
The University of Oxford Occupational Health Service has many resources available online regarding mental wellbeing: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/uohs/mentalwellbeingresilience/, and Personnel Services has information about the prevention and management of work-related stress: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/during/stress/.
Mindful Employer https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/mindful-employer#collapse1069951 presents the University of Oxford’s commitment to support the mental wellbeing of staff.
Wellbeing at Oxford is a new campaign that highlights the University’s institutional focus on student mental health and wellbeing. It provides information about the new Student Wellbeing and Mental Health strategy, which has just been published, and provides easy access to information for students looking for wellbeing support.
LGBT+
University of Oxford Podcasts has a collection of audio and video lectures on LGBT+ topics. https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/keywords/lgbt.
Stonewall https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/stonewall-workplace-equality-index is Europe’s largest lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) charity, and the University of Oxford is proud to be part of its Diversity Champion Programme.
University of Oxford Networks for LGBT+ Role Model https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/lgbt-role-models offers information on the LGBT+ Role Models Network, current Role Models, and how to join.
University of Oxford Network for LGBT+ Staff https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/lgbt-staff-network offers information on the LGBT+ Staff Network, support and advice, and staff benefits.
University of Oxford Network for LGBT+ Allies https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/lgbt-allies offers information on the LGBT+ Allies Network, current Allies, and how to join.
Disability and Access
Information for disabled staff, students, applicants and visitors as well as for those supporting individuals with a disability. https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support.
Information regarding the University of Oxford’s initiatives to promote a more inclusive workplace. https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-theme.
Estranged Students
The University of Oxford is committed to supporting Estranged Students who are studying without the support and approval of their families. https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/estranged-students?wssl=1.
The University of Oxford’s Stand Alone Pledge http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2018-12-11-oxford-commits-supporting-students-without-relationships-their-family.
Families and Carers
Returning Carers Fund [https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/returning-carers-fund] supports those who have taken a break for caring responsibilities to re-establish their research careers.
The University has schemes [https://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/staffinfo/parentsandcarers/carers/] to help carers whoever they are caring for.
My Family Care https://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/staffinfo/benefits/family/mfc/ is a University benefit for all employees that offers access to emergency back-up childcare and adultcare, a ‘speak to an expert’ phone line, and a wide range of guides and webinars through a website called the Work + Family space.
Guidance on family leave https://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/during/family/ including maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, shared parental leave, unpaid parental leave and fertility treatment leave.
The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive range of childcare options and provision for families, as well as support to help you settle in and get the most out of your studies. https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/student-life/families-and-childcare?wssl=1.
The Department of Statistics was awarded an Athena SWAN bronze award following the submission round in November 2017. A copy of the application can be viewed here.
The Department of Statistics was first awarded an Athena SWAN bronze award in 2014. Our application was overseen by the Good Practice Steering Group (now renamed The Equality & Diversity Committee) with support from the Oxford University Equality and Diversity Unit. A copy of the application can be viewed here and our Action Plan can be viewed here.
The Athena SWAN Charter was developed to encourage and recognise commitment to combating under-representation and advancing the careers of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine research and academia.
The Department of Statistics is a supporter of the London Mathematical Society Good Practice scheme, which aims to support mathematics departments interested in embedding equal opportunities for women within their working practices.
The University has been successful in gaining the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. The award recognises the systems and practices in place to support researchers’ career and professional development in line with the national Research Concordat. It acknowledges that we are committed to looking after our research staff and their development.
General Information from the University of Oxford Equality & Diversity Unit.