Library Services staff recognised for supporting EDI at UCL

Library Services staff won in two categories at the UCL Inclusion Awards 2021.

Noel Caliste, won the Staff Equality Network Member of the Year Award as Chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Steering Group (LESG) a formalised committee set up to discuss issues, policies and practices in respect to LGBTQ+ equality at UCL, and Out@UCL (the LGBTQ+ staff and Postgraduate social network) with the combined aim of creating a more inclusive environment at UCL.

In their nomination Dr Michael Sulu and Johanna Novales, Faculty of Engineering Sciences said Noel’s “ability to complete his salaried role, as well as run the network and steering group, alongside advocating for his community, collaborating with the student groups, and maintaining the networks social media presence is one that deserves recognition and praise.”

The Library’s EDI Committee were awarded the Sarah Guise award for Catalyst for Change. Since July 2020 they have produced a regular newsletter with each one focused on a specific aspect of equality, diversity and inclusion. The team share their own experiences and also seek contributions from other library staff, giving colleagues the opportunity to speak openly about their personal experiences in a public forum. 

The first newsletter on the theme of Black Lives Matter was read over 600 times. This issue was also shared with all staff throughout the university and received very positive feedback. A member of UCL staff said “the Library Services EDI newsletter was fantastic. Lots of food for thought! Thank you all for sharing it.”

The committee members are Harriet Affleck, Nazlin Bhimani, Jennifer Brown, Noel Caliste, Kate Cheney, Julie Cheung-Inhin, Sofina Lias, Faith Udeze and Breege Whiten.

Video: Library EDI Committee wins award for Catalyst for Change

MediaCentral Widget Placeholderhttps://mediacentral.ucl.ac.uk/Player/0dDj5A2D

Dr Paul Ayris, Pro-Vice-Provost (UCL Library Services & UCL Office for Open Science & Scholarship) said:

““I was very pleased to hear that the work of Noel, Jennifer and the Library’s EDI Committee was recognised by the UCL community at last week’s inclusion Awards. They have worked above and beyond their roles to support and inform colleagues and to develop a positive culture in the library and beyond.”

Please read about the other winners of the UCL Inclusion Awards 2021.

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