All posts by Liz

Honorary Awards for Baroness Amos and Baroness Grey-Thompson

Baroness-Amos-and-Baroness-Grey-ThompsonThe University of Greenwich is awarding honorary degrees today (Tuesday 30 July) to Baroness Amos, the first black woman to become a Cabinet minister, and to champion Paralympic athlete Baroness ‘Tanni’ Grey-Thompson.

They are both being honoured in graduation ceremonies taking place at Rochester Cathedral.  More … http://www2.gre.ac.uk/about/news/articles/2013/a2680-honorary-awards-for-baroness-amos-and-baroness-grey-thompson

 

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

July is Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

The different kinds of Sickle Cell Disorders and the different traits are found mainly in people whose families come from Africa, the Caribbean, the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia.* In Britain SCD is most common in people of African and Caribbean descent (at least 1 in 10-40 have sickle cell trait and 1 in 60-200 have SCD). It is estimated there are over 6,000 adults and children with SCD in Britain at present. There are other inherited conditions that mainly affect other groups, e.g. Cystic Fibrosis in Europeans, and Tay-Sachs disease in Jewish people.

If you would like to find out more about Sickle Cell Awareness Month go to the Sickle Cell Society website at http://www.sicklecellsociety.org/

B0007446 Sickle-cell anaemia

History Student Curates Women’s Suffrage Exhibition

Carolyn Ayers, a final-year History student at the University of Greenwich, has co-curated a new exhibition which uncovers details of the women’s suffrage movement in the local area.

The exhibition focuses on Blackheath-born Rosa May Billinghurst, a disabled suffragette. Called Freedom of Spirit: The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Greenwich, it is on now at the Greenwich Heritage Centre and runs until 31 August.

Carolyn’s research enabled her to piece together how local women campaigned for the vote. As a suffragette, Rosa May committed several acts of militancy including pouring acid into a letterbox in Aberdeen Terrace, Blackheath. More … http://www2.gre.ac.uk/about/news/articles/2013/a2654-history-student-curates-womens-suffrage-exhibition

Different Backgrounds Lead to Different Student Experiences of HE

HEFCE’s recent report Higher education and beyond: outcomes from full-time first degree study highlights that students experience and benefit from higher education differently depending on their background. The report looks at degree attainment and subsequent employment of students from the 2006/07 cohort.

The report highlights that disabled students receiving Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) are more likely to achieve a 1st or 2:1 degree than disabled students who don’t receive DSA. On completion of their first degree, they are also more likely to be in employment or further study, and more likely to be in a graduate job.

The report also adds to the growing body of evidence that students from minority ethnic backgrounds have a different experience of HE from their white peers. This points to the need for more inclusive curriculum design, assessments and culture.

Equality Challenge Unit have produced guidance in response to the report, found at: http://www.ecu.ac.uk/news/different-backgrounds-lead-to-different-student-experiences-of-he

Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill Completes its Final Reading

Minutes ago the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill completed its Third – and final – Reading in the House of Lords.

That means that for the very first time, every child growing up to be lesbian, gay or bisexual in the UK will have exactly the same rights, responsibilities and choices as their heterosexual friends and family.

Now the House of Commons will give final approval to the Bill before it receives Royal Assent. This should allow the first same-sex marriages to take place as soon as next spring.

I’m not a Feminist but an ‘Equalist’

Laura Waters, Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Huddersfield, has written an article on women in science for The Guardian newspaper.

“I’m not a feminist but an ‘equalist’, says Laura – what matters most is achieving the results by having the best talent.”Photograph: Alamy

Read the full article in The Guardian here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2013/jul/12/scientist-equalist-not-feminist

Student Photo Competition

Student photo competition: the student experience

QAA has launched a photo competition open to any student currently enrolled at a UK further or higher education institution.

The theme is ‘the student experience’ and we would encourage students to give it a go – try and reflect our diverse range of students with different protected characteristics.

The prizes are £500 for the winner and £250 for two runners-up.

Closing date: 16 August 2013

QAA: Student photo competition

Stonewall’s Leadership Programme

 

The Stonewall Leadership team has announced two exceptional career development opportunities for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.

The annual two day Leadership Programme at Ashridge Business School takes place on 21-22 November 2013, and is aimed at high talent, high-performing professionals mainly from managerial, director or senior executive roles. To find out more and apply click here.

The next Authentic Role Model Programme takes place in London on 16 September. A one day course, aimed at professionals from all levels and from all roles in an organisation. Visit the Stonewall website to find out more and apply.

Call Lorna Fulton on 0207 593 1865 or email leadership@stonewall.org.uk for more details on either of these programmes.

Inspirational Diversity Champion of the Month – July 2013

James Wharton joined the British Army in August 2003 and entered into the ranks of the Blues and Royals.

In 2007 James served in Southern Iraq for seven months carrying out his duties as an Armoured Reconnaissance soldier. In 2008 he spent 4 months assisting in the training of other troops preparing for active service at the British Army’s training facility in Alberta, Canada.

James has played a part on all major state occasions including the State Opening of Parliament, Lord Mayor’s Parade, Cenotaph Parade and the Queen’s Birthday Parade.  In April 2011, James was honoured to be escorting the Sovereign on the occasion of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding.

James was the first gay person to appear on the front cover of Soldier magazine, the British Army’s official publication, which also had an in-depth article on James’ life as its feature.

Marrying his long term partner Thomas in March 2010, James and his husband became the first same sex couple to have their relationship formalised in the Household Cavalry’s 350 year history. They enjoyed the celebrations within the walls of the London barracks.

James tours secondary schools in the UK as a positive role model for Stonewall as part of their Education for All campaign, talking of his experiences as an ‘out’ gay soldier in the British Military. He has also featured in Stonewall’s Role Model guide, published in 2012.

James has ranked in the top 20 of the Independent on Sunday’s Pink List for the past 3 consecutive years down to his work fighting homophobia within Britain’s Schools and his LGB activism commitments.

His first book, ‘Out In The Army: My Life As A Gay Soldier’ was released in June 2013.