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Established in the autumn of 2020, the ICH REG considers the challenges of inequality towards people who experience racism at GOS ICH and assists in formulating and implementing actions to address these. There is representation from across the GOS ICH community of staff and students with representation of different job roles, Departments and ethnicities. The elected Chair and Co-Chair (Lola Solebo and Terrie Fiawoo) sit on the Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee and report directly into the GOS ICH Institute Management Team.
Aims and Objectives:
Advise GOS ICH about how it can support UCL in delivering the Race Equality Charter
To consider issues around ethnic inequality within GOS ICH especially that experienced by Black staff as it has been documented that this group experience a greater level of racial inequality
- To develop and implement the GOS ICH REG 2022/2023 Action plan, to be reviewed regularly and discussed with the EDI Steering group and IMT
Membership
Ameenat Lola Solebo (Academic/Research Staff / PPP)
"The REG is working with the ICH Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Team to identify potential areas of concern in the institute’s policies, procedures and practices. We have implemented changes in recruitment policies at ICH, raised awareness of race equity, cultural diversity and cultural intelligence, and are developing and supporting practical solutions to address these areas of concern. We are also (systematically) gathering data on EDI at ICH to understand future trends and the impact of new policies. I am really proud to be part this group, supporting the implementation of institutional processes which make sure that ICH continues to be an inclusive space to work and study.”
Terrie Fiawoo (PSS/ PPP)
"I want the drive towards race equality carried out in a purposeful and relevant way. I have a strong understanding of the dynamics of race not just from a personal and somewhat emotional perspective being of mixed heritage, but also from an academic perspective, having a MA in Social and Cultural History with a focus on Race and Society. I have passion and desire to be useful and proactive on this journey towards making the university a place to which everyone feels they belong regardless of skin colour and I am impressed by the efforts being made so far."
Dauda Bappa (PSS/ III)
"I have had a positive experience of UCL, ICH and GOSH but am all too aware there is underrepresentation, and there are BAME colleagues who would appreciate a clear but light touch/easily accessible forum to bring these issues up and increase cultural and ethnic awareness."
Faraneh Vargha Khadem (Academic/Research Staff (Prof) Group Member/ DN)
"I feel passionately about changing the systemic and structural prejudices that operate on an interpersonal and organisational level. I am keen to be part of a group that initiates difficult but inspiring conversations, and ultimately promotes concrete actions to increase diversity and eradicate the seeds of division.
I have been raised in a family environment and belief system where prejudice of all kinds has been viewed as abhorrent, and diversity of race, culture, language, etc has been celebrated. I believe these values should be instilled in children as young as possible so they can grow up to view the world as one country and mankind its citizens."
Jane Simmonds (Teaching Staff/ III Dept Graduate Tutor)
"I am passionate about race equality and I believe that in my roles as a Principal Teaching Fellow and Departmental and Faculty Graduate Tutor I can make a proactive and positive contribution in the sphere of teaching /education. Throughout my 25-year career in higher education as a lecturer, teaching fellow and manager and my clinical career as a physiotherapist, I have advocated for a diverse and inclusive work force. I am proud to be a BAME ally and I foster communities of respect and collaborative working with staff and student groups to facilitate the delivery of inclusive teaching content delivered by a diverse teaching group"
Laurette Bukasa (Postgraduate Research Student / PPP)
" I believe the REG should be passionate and highly motivated to push through the changes proposed. This will require an innate confidence to speak in new arenas and a level of fearlessness in advocating in spaces that may be resistant or uninspired to change...I am excited about this group and extremely optimistic about what we can achieve together."
Wing Han Wu (PSS/ Research Co-ordinator/ PPP)
"As a second generation Chinese immigrant, I wanted to join the ICH REG because I often feel that BAME issues are dealt with in a monolithic way. People of colour are affected by discrimination in similar ways, but there are often nuances that organisations have to recognise in order for it to be dealt with in an effective manner. I want to ensure that everyone from a marginalised group feels that they have a voice at ICH. In the past being perceived to come from a ‘model minority’ background my experiences of discrimination were often not taken seriously. I want to ensure that my past experiences inform others. Discrimination does not require an arbitrary threshold to be reached for it to be taken seriously. It is always wrong and should never be allowed."
People who have experienced or witnessed inequality may choose to remain silent which may be due to their culture or afraid there would be consequences of making their voice being heard. Being brought up in a culture where taking assaults on the chin is considered a norm, I am keen to join the REG to promote a safe platform for students and staff to carry out healthy discussions to embrace all cultures and diversity. I am glad that UCL, being a leading University in London is a place where let members of students and staff know that this is OK to talk, and we are taking positive actions on this pioneer group to celebrate “Who We Are” and working together towards the ultimate goal of eliminating stigmatisation and inequity.
