“Doing great work in a great place to work“
Not all disability is visible and I admit, in the past, I often tried to hide mine. Now I’m keen to get us talking more openly about the barriers we face. Over time, celebrating Clinical School staff diversity will improve our own wellbeing and that of patients who come here.
Alison Dunning, Professor in Molecular Cancer Genetics, Department of Oncology
Disabled Staff Network
We are very pleased to announce the launch of the University’s Disabled Staff Network: a new diversity network for disabled staff and staff with long-term health conditions.
The Network was set up following a staff consultation carried out in 2021 which showed there was overwhelming support for setting up a network which would be a safe space to bring issues to and get support, somewhere to receive advice and information and a body that would advocate for its members and inform institutional policy.
We will be holding focus groups and discussions with members to determine the name, aims and objectives of the network but for now it will be a place where you can talk to other people with shared experiences and understanding. Since it is often difficult to meet in person, a lot of our ‘talk’ is likely to be through the email group initially.
The Disabled Staff Network is open to staff who identify as disabled, have long-term health conditions, identify as neurodivergent, or support colleagues or care for someone who is disabled or has a long-term condition, or who want to know more.
British Sign Language
The British Sign Language (BSL) is about listening to what cannot be heard. It is about experiencing what it is like being a d/Deaf person. It is also about how to better use our body language and our emotions when conveying our messages. Join us for an introductory and follow-up workshop to start your BSL adventure.
Visit the British Sign Language Dictionary: https://www.signbsl.com/
Other resources and support
The Access and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) provides information, advice and signposting to disabled University and college staff and their managers in addition to its work with disabled students and those who work with them. The centre provides courses in disability themes and provides bespoke training in response to departmental requests. You can read more about guidance and support to disabled applicants and staff here.
As well as Equality Champions at the Clinical School, the central University have Equality Champions with responsibility for specific areas. Dr Hisham Ziauddeen is the University Disability and Wellbeing Champion. More information can be found here.
The Business Disability Forum works to remove barriers to inclusion. Their Advice Service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm to answer any disability questions that may arise. Please do also take a look at their Events page to see details of upcoming events, details of what is scheduled and how to register.
Finding our voices
Professor Alison Dunning, Chair of the Staff Disability Network, has written a blog on her experiences and personal views on working with a disability.
Read the blog here.
