RISE: supporting diversity at Reading

We are pleased to offer places on the next cohort of our D&I online learning programme to all staff across the University- RISE@University of Reading.

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.

The programme is designed to challenge your thinking around your own perspectives on diversity and inclusion. There is an element of self-study through online modules as well as facilitated collaboration groups where you will discuss topics with colleagues in small groups. This programme encourages you to think for yourself around D&I matters rather than being ‘taught’ about D&I facts and figures as you might have experienced in courses attended previously. Please be prepared to question your thinking and discuss topics openly and honestly with colleagues.

Colleagues who took part in the most recent cohort of the programme in 2021 were very positive about its benefits:

‘I feel the programme provided me with knowledge and understanding of myself and of diversity and inclusion, that will allow me to continue to address the knowledge, skills and behaviours I originally wanted to.  For me the major strength of the programme was that it facilitated reflection on both current reality and possible futures, and provided very powerful psychological tools to move myself from one to the other.’

John Jack (Senior Technician - Teaching & Research)

‘RISE has made me much more determined to work with colleagues to ensure conversations are happening.  I found working with shared values across the campus to be very positive for me, and I think it was extremely valuable to the members of my team who were also on RISE.

I feel empowered to make change, because I heard that others want to make changes, and feel we can do this together.’

Associate Professor Dr. Rachel Pye (Head of Psychology UoR Malaysia)

'The programme opened up my perspectives, and gave structure to my thinking about D&I in a way that is already influencing my work in several areas. Not least, it clarified and strengthened the urgency and importance of this work as an ongoing process.'

Professor Gerry Leonidas (Typography and Graphic Communication).

‘I believe the course exceeded my expectations by starting on a very introspective level. It made me assess my own beliefs and the impact that has on myself and others around me. Then expanding this into the wider environment of the University and how each individual’s beliefs can form the organisational environment.’

Sarah Heseltine-Hurley-Flynn (Senior End Point Assessment Administrator)

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

The online programme consists of:

• Programme Launch Event

• 3 whole group workshops

• 3 collaborative sessions in smaller groups

• 12 short, online modules (approx. 30 minutes each)- completed independently between group activities

• Supporting activities for individual and group learning

• Closing Event

We are now opening applications for the next cohort.

Please note: This programme  does require some degree of time commitment. Across the 17 weeks, we estimate this commitment to be about 1.5 hours per week on average. You must be able to attend all of the dates for your chosen cohort in full. 

How to apply

Please email People Development to book your place on this programme by close of play Friday 4 February

Please contact Lisa People Development if you have any further questions about this programme:

Lisa Costello: l.p.costello@reading.ac.uk