Gender Focus Group
As members of Team Teesside, we proudly celebrate the fact we are all different and we are all equal.
Our Gender Focus Group is one of the five focus groups within the University's equality and diversity umbrella. The group comprises our executive champion, chairs, and a broad cross-section of colleagues from all our Schools and departments.
- Executive Champion: Helen Cutting, Executive Director of Legal Services & University Secretary
- Chair: Professor Chrisina Jayne, Dean, School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies.
- Vice Chair: Claire Brown, Senior lecturer in social work
At Teesside University we believe that gender equality is not just a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for an inclusive learning and working environment. We respect and value individuals of all gender identities, encourage everyone to contribute their unique perspectives and empower every member to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
Our objectives
Our Gender Focus Group plays an important role in helping shape the development of new policies and practices at the University by representing the views of staff and students of all genders.
We promote best practice in relation to complying with equality legislation and efforts to achieve Athena Swan Charter standards.
We support gender equality within a diverse learning and working environment, for all University staff, students and associates.
We proactively engage in relevant awareness-raising activities and initiatives underpinned by our Values & Behaviours Framework.
Becoming a member
Becoming a gender focus group member has many benefits, including the opportunity to make a difference to our University community, raise your profile, and work with new people. New members who are willing to actively participate are always welcome. Membership entails:
- attending meetings
- sharing ideas to develop plans
- sharing tasks and responsibilities
- implementing new campaign initiatives
The group meets four times a year during working hours. Please let your line manager know if you would like to volunteer.
Over the past twelve months, the group's achievements have included:
- consultation and advice on various topics, such as the Supporting Family Life policy, the flexi-desking pilot and flexible working legislation, and the development of hormone-related guidance
- promotion of the Aurora and Herschel female leadership programmes
- hosting events to mark International Women's Day and International Men's Day on campus
- championing gender-neutral toilets and promoting a safe space parenting room and Period Dignity campaign.
Athena Swan Bronze - A commitment to gender equality
Initiatives and activities
Promoting gender equality in writing and research
Women writers - both past and present - have played a vital role in raising awareness of gender inequality, while women researchers have been at the forefront of new thinking in this area, inspiring social and cultural change.
Find out more
International Women's Day
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global event which is celebrated annually to raise awareness on issues around gender equality and to shine a spotlight on the inspirational women who make such a positive contribution to our society.
Find out more
International Men's Day
The event, organised by the Postgraduate Society, welcomed Joe Hilton, entrepreneur, author, speaker and self-help coach. Joe shared his journey, his challenges and how he navigated through them, and took questions from the audience. A messages board was displayed in the Students' Union, encouraging anyone to share their story, and supportive comments.
Find out moreNews
Celebrating International Women’s Day on campus
Teesside University is marking International Women’s Day (IWD) with a series of activities across the campus to champion its community of inspiring female students, graduates and staff.
Events
We currently do not have any events planned, please check again in the near future for updates.
