RISE: supporting diversity at Reading

We are pleased to offer places on RISE@University of Reading, our newly updated Diversity & Inclusion online learning programme.

The RISE programme will support you so that you are:

Ready for an

Inclusive and

Supportive

Environment at the University of Reading

Promoting and supporting diversity in the workplace is intrinsically about valuing everyone in the organisation as an individual. To reap the benefits of a diverse workforce, it is vital to have an inclusive environment where everyone feels able to participate.

This programme has been jointly developed by People Development, Dean of Diversity and Inclusion Dr Allan Laville and The Pacific Institute.

Colleagues who took part in the programme during 2020 were very positive about its benefits:

Nozomi Tolworthy (Diversity and Inclusion Advisor)

"As a new starter, being able to meet and discuss topics beyond 'small talk' with other staff across UoR that's directly relevant to my role and understanding the cultures that exist within different schools and functions was very useful."

Gemma Fitz (Admissions Officer)

"Understanding diversity and inclusion in the context of psychological studies was very interesting and helped to identify ways to improve D&I within my team. Understanding the broader definition of inclusivity was useful too when setting goals and discovering where D&I can be improved in our work."

Ellen McManus-Fry (Prospect Research Officer)

"One of the things I found most useful about the RISE@UoR programme was thinking about diversity and inclusion more broadly and considering the type of environment required to allow colleagues to feel heard and valued."

Eileen Hyder (Academic Developer)

"I really enjoyed working with people from other contexts within the university. It really broadened my understanding of the types of diversity and inclusion work that is taking place."

Structure

The RISE programme is open to all colleagues across the University that are interested in building and promoting a diverse and inclusive culture at the University of Reading.

Participants will first focus on themselves as individuals, and then on the wider organisation. By the end of the programme you will have the skills to:

• Embrace inclusivity by confidently role modelling University behaviours and values
• Actively address and promote a diverse workforce
• Develop and achieve their full potential
• Foster, create and develop effective networks
• Set clear practical goals, both personal and career

Two cohorts of 30 will be run this year. We're currently accepting applications to the first cohort - you must be able to attend all of the dates outlined below (all delivered remotely):

There will also be short, online modules to complete between each of the activity dates below.

How to apply

Please email People Development to book your place on this programme by close of play Friday 19 March.

Please contact Lisa Costello or Steph Hayward in People Development if you have any further questions about this programme.