GHWY is a partnership of 13 HE providers, working collaboratively to reduce long-standing inequalities in access to, success in and progression from HE.
Welcome to July's issue of GHWY's Newsletter for HE Providers.
In this issue we reflect on our recent experience of trialling inclusive recruitment practices, as well as the learnings we have taken from anti-racism training.
We will take a break in August but will be back in September with more new features and all the usual stories and events you've come to expect. In the meantime, we wish you all a good summer.
As always, if you have any good news stories or upcoming events you'd like to share from your institution then please get in touch with Susan Darlington.
News
The power of inclusive recruitment
GHWY is aware that having a more diverse workforce can foster greater innovation, and help us challenge assumptions that may inadvertently disadvantage some groups of individuals.
We have therefore been exploring strategies and techniques for more inclusive recruitment practices. One of the things we have looked at is our interview process.
In this blog we discuss our recent trial of sending the interview questions in advance to candidates.
Understanding privilege, microaggressions, and allyship: A reflection
Members of our team recently attended highly engaging and thought-provoking anti-racism training.
The session equipped us to better examine our words, actions, and privileges, as well as to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society. It also provided knowledge we can implement in our daily work practices.
We hope to cascade the training to more team members in 2023-24.
Fully-funded ‘GradSkills’ course to support career next steps for recent graduates
Do you know someone living in West Yorkshire who has graduated in the past five years and is interested in upskilling themselves to find their first graduate job or take the next step in their career? This could be a student you taught or worked with, or they could be a family member or friend.
GradSkills is offering fully-funded training to help prepare graduates for high-skilled employment. The course has had excellent feedback and is completely free for individuals. It can be undertaken remotely, and includes optional in-person modules, employer events and personal career coaching.
Post Doctorial Research fellow post in Black British Culture
Leeds Beckett University is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to a 24 month fixed-term appointment.
The post-holder will carry out research of their own design in the field of Black British Culture. They may also be tasked with teaching a small and limited number of hours per week with a specific focus on Black British culture.
An interest in ‘northern’ culture may be an advantage, as will be the proven ability to inspire confidence in diverse communities who might take interest in the research of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Call for HE providers to support estranged student data campaign
Stand Alone has called on HE providers in England to support its campaign for the Department for Education / OfS to commit to an 'Estranged' HESA Student Records field.
The move, which follows the introduction of the UCAS flag for estranged students in 2022, would bring these young people in line with existing equality markers for other groups of students, such as those from widening participation backgrounds.
HE providers are urged to take part in a short consultation on the subject. The deadline is 4 August.
Leeds Conservatoire offers tips and advice for young people who are considering applying for a music course at HE.
These courses are extremely specialist, and the process for applying is a little different to a more typical academic degree.
The blog considers three main themes: institution types, including specialist institutions; application systems, including UCAS Conservatoires; and auditioning, including when fees might waived.
How do HE providers manage the fast-paced developments in AI?
Chris Tunningley discusses how Leeds College of Building is starting to address the advantages and disadvantages of AI software in education and the workplace.
The College is forming a working group to implement and share information. It is also considering policy; training for lecturers, management and support staff in the use of AI; and student research and coursework submissions
When: Thursday, 12 October between 8.45am-4.30pm Where: Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Who: National World Events
The conference will bring together politicians, business leaders, academics and media from a range of sectors. Speakers and attendees will debate the challenges the North of England faces and discuss the best way forward to achieve shared sustainable goals.
We offer a range of opportunities to upskill and build confidence for staff who support young people with their educational progression.
Our training aligns with the academic year, covering topics such as reviewing personal statements. Alongside that we offer sessions that focus on personal and professional development, such as mentoring skills.
The majority of our sessions are virtual. You can keep up-to-date about them with our new CPD newsletter..
University Centre Leeds’ Women in Leadership programme has been hailed as ‘the best yet’. The annual event lets students hear directly from entrepreneurs, civil servants and business leaders about their life and career paths. Subjects covered included deaing with imposter syndrome, and the value of transferable skills. Read more.
In other news, the Centre recently appointed Dr Sarah Marquez as its new Dean of HE. She has been welcomed to GHWY’s Board and was recently featured in FE Week’s movers and shakers.
The University of Bradford has retained its Green Flag Award in recognition of its green spaces. These include wildflower meadows, herb beds, and the recent addition of a small pond with bullrushes, irises and white lily. There are all good for attracting wildlife.
It first received the Award in 2015, and it has kept it ever since. It is one of a record 2,216 parks and green spaces to receive the honour from Keep Britain Tidy this year. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of the University's grounds team.
