Advance HE Diversity Champions Programme
Application deadline: 1st November 2021
Following the launch of the first Diversity Champions training cohort last year on our Exeter campuses, Cornwall management team and the Provost Commission are pleased to launch the second cohort for colleagues based at the Penryn and Truro campuses this term.This training opportunity supports our wider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Vision and responds to the need to ensure that 'front-line' staff, who come into frequent contact with students in either an academic, professional or pastoral sense, are equipped with an improved understanding of EDI principles and approaches. Furthermore, it will support staff to enhance their confidence, knowledge and skills to appropriately signpost any incidents of harassment or discrimination disclosed to them, as well as create a community of practice to support each other, raise awareness and champion innovation around various EDI topics.We have engaged Advance HE to deliver this training to enable the cohort to clarify and embed EDI principles and support among ‘front-line’ staff in Cornwall. This will largely be achieved through both co-delivery and stand-alone delivery of EDI content, provided in collaboration with the University's EDI team, through workshops, seminars and the production of resources for use across the Cornwall campuses. These workshops and resources will be offered across all Colleges and Directorates and will be promoted via the University Weekly Bulletin. They will take place upon completion of the training, starting in Spring 2022. All colleagues will be strongly encouraged to take part.
Programme details
The training programme comprises of five 3 hour online sessions, delivered by Advance HE, on the following dates:
Wednesday 10th November 2021, 10:00 - 13:00
Wednesday 24th November 2021, 10:00 - 13:00
Wednesday 8th December 2021, 10:00 - 13:00
Wednesday 12th January 2022, 10:00 - 13:00
Wednesday 26th January 2022, 10:00 - 13:00
Between these dates, there will also be five 1 hour informal community of practice sessions hosted by the EDI team and delivered in an informal 'lunch and learn' format.
Please see further details on the application process below:
As a result of completing this training you will have:
- Challenged assumptions, clarified and improved understanding of basic EDI terms, principles and practice in a HE context
- Considered and clarified appropriate professional and practical behaviour/actions when faced with possible incidents of harassment or inequality
- Increased personal confidence and capacity, empowering delegates to address issues presented to you
- A safe network of practice and support among fellow delegates, and have considered your ongoing needs
- Built your capability to support the wider workforce through training and support delivery, both independently and co-delivered with the EDI team
The training will run over 12 weeks and comprise of five 3 hour online sessions:
- Wednesday 10th November 2021, 10.00 - 13.00: Module 1: Welcome; the Diversity Champion role; EDI in Cornwall; challenging conversations
- Wednesday 24th November 2021, 10.00 - 13.00: Module 2: Values, beliefs, bias and priviliege; understanding the experiences of marginalised groups
- Wednesday 8th December 2021, 10.00 - 13.00: Module 3: Dignity and respect on campus; EDI in learning and teaching; inclusive culture
- Wednesday 12th January 2022, 10.00 - 13.00: Module 4: Designing an EDI training session and dealing with difficult situations
- Wednesday 26th January 2022, 10.00 - 13.00: Module 5: Resources and learning into practice
In between each session, there will be the option to meet as a group for five 1 hour Community of Practice meetings. These meetings will be used to feedback about the training, stimulate discussion, embed learning, address issues and queries and will also be the foundation for the delivery programme post-training.
- Wednesday 17th November 2021, 12:00 - 13:00, venue TBC
- Wednesday 1st December 2021, 12:00 - 13:00, venue TBC
- Wednesday 15th December 2021, 12:00 - 13:00, venue TBC
- Wednesday 19th January 2022, 12:00 - 13:00, venue TBC
- Wednesday 2nd February 2022, 12:00 - 13:00, venue TBC
This training represents a significant investment by the University for participants' professional development and ongoing CPD.
Following completion of the training, participants will be expected to commit to a minimum of 15 hours and a maximum of 20 hours of training preparation and delivery during the 18 months following successful completion of the training.
Part-time colleagues will be expected to commit to the same number of hours but over a pro-rata period of time, for example a 75% role would deliver 15-20 hours over 24 months; 50% role over 36 months; etc.
You will be co-delivering short (around 1.5 hours) workshops, within your own College, Directorate or area, with a buddy that will help us build a more inclusive University by supporting colleagues and raising awareness of EDI issues. The EDI and People Development team will support you in this delivery.
The content and resources for all delivery will be provided. You will also work with the EDI team to secure rooms and schedule delivery.
You will:
- coordinate and deliver at least one EDI workshop per term, starting Spring 2022, using the resources co-designed by the EDI team.
- recruit participants using your departmental networks, prioritising those for whom the training may be most beneficial.
- work with existing EDI committees, e.g. the Cornwall Campuses Inclusion Group and relevant staff networks.
- continue to participate in the EDI champion community of practice to share ideas and experience.
We are seeking participants who have some basic knowledge and/or experience of tackling EDI issues and, ideally, who have some experience of delivering training or at the minimum are competent presenters. However, the EDI and People Development teams will provide additional training and support for any applicants who may feel less confident in this area.
The training is by application only and applicants must have the approval from their line manager to both attend the training and complete the follow-up commitment.
Advance HE Train the Trainer Form Cornwall