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Equality & Diversity focus groups

The focus groups are formed primarily by employees, and also include student representatives from the Elected Officers of the Students' Union.

View the groups Diversity champions

Focus groups

The groups meet regularly and act as a conduit between their members and the wider University community.

They enable issues relevant to those particular protected characteristics to be discussed. Every member of staff is invited to join any of the staff focus groups.

Click below to meet our focus groups chairs:

Students in the Campus Heart

Disability

Advocating for disabled colleagues and students to influence positive change so everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential.

More about the disability focus group
Students in the Library

Ethnic and cultural diversity

The Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Focus group (ECD) provides a voice to individuals who by virtue of their culture/ethnic origins are identifiable as being different from the norm. Being from the Global Majority should be perceived as an asset rather than negatively. The goal is to empower racially marginalised and traditionally minoritised individuals to drive meaningful and positive change.

Students chatting around a table

Faith and belief

Our faith and belief focus group has staff and student representation and is open to anyone with an interest in faith and belief issues. Our group aims to support all our students and staff whether they follow a particular faith or no faith, so that our Teesside community is able to find space to engage in reflection activities that support their wellbeing or faith.

More about the faith and belief focus group
Gender Focus Group

Gender

The group represents the views of staff and students of all genders in the development of new policies and practices at the University. We also promote best practice in relation to Equality Legislation, Athena Swan Charter and engage in relevant awareness-raising activities and initiatives.

More about the gender focus group
TU Proud stand

LGBTQ+

The LGBTQ+ staff focus group is for anybody who is passionate about growing a more accepting and inclusive campus so everyone feels a sense of belonging and has representation. We can't be what we can't see. We host events to educate around LGBTQ+ issues and promote wellbeing within and around the community.

More about the LGBTQ+ focus group

Executive Diversity Champions

Malcolm Page

Malcolm Page,
Chief Operating Officer: Disability

Professor Mark Simpson

Professor Mark Simpson,
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching): Ethnic and cultural diversity

Dr Warren Harrison

Dr Warren Harrison,
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International): Faith and belief

Helen Cutting

Helen Cutting,
Executive Director Legal and Governance Services and University Secretary: Gender

Malcolm Page

Juliet Amos,
Executive HR Director: LGBTQ+

Each group has an executive champion who primarily acts as a figurehead for that particular protected characteristic, taking an active interest in activities by attending both internal and external events and focus group meetings, whenever possible.

They take every opportunity to raise awareness amongst staff and students, as well as supporting the progression of actions to address identified barriers and presenting relevant initiatives for approval by their executive colleagues. These roles help to demonstrate to University staff, students and the wider public the level of importance the University places on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Find out more

More about Equality and diversity