Equality and Diversity Committee (1st May 2014)

Apologies for the incorrect title of the Equality & Diversity Committee in the title (above).  The system is yet to be updated.

Apologies received as tabled above.

Minutes of the E&D Committee of 11 March 2014 were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Matters arising from meeting of 11 March 2014.

• Disabled Student Email - Regarding the email that was received by a disabled student Beckie has given Tom the contact at NUS. Tom confirmed that he has sent an email but no reply had been received.
• Trans Inclusion Policy – This was taken to ideas session at Union Council on 27 March.
•  Educational Event - With regards to arranging an educational event. Emma has contacted different charities and is expecting material and information.
• Calendar of E&D Events - A calendar of events has been drafted and will be discussed later in the meeting. 
• Deaf Subtitling/Translating - Emma has spoken to her contact in the Deaf Society and she is happy with the idea to provide assistance to our deaf students. Emma will be having a meeting with Union Films to discuss this further.
• Equality Impact Toolkit - This will be brought to next meeting due to Zoe's absence at this meeting.
• E&D Action Plan - To contact more Societies for further input on this.

Tom advised that the Trans Inclusion Policy will be taken to AGM for approval as the deadline for previous Union Council was missed.

Approval was given for the Trans Inclusion Policy and the only amendment suggested was to list specific existing toilets in Item 2 of Union Resolves.

The Committee spoke about the best way to present and support the Policy at AGM.

Emma updated the committee on plans for IDAHOT.  On Friday 16 May on the Concourse there will be an art activity based on the theme for this year on Freedom of Expression.  This will include putting colourful handprints, names and comments on a banner/flag and give out leaflets.  If allowed by facilities this may be hung up in SUSU for a while and will then be kept for use at promotional events such as Freshers' Week. 

A film event on the Saturday 17 May followed by a discussion panel to include charities that support Trans people  is also hoped to happen but  confirmation is still outstanding from Union Films as time of this meeting.  Dallas Buyers Club is the preferred option of film but as Union Films will be showing this film the week before  consideration will be made as to whether to combine this event with the showing by Union Films followed by an opportunity for a discussion panel afterwards or to book a lecture theatre for the film and discussion panel on Saturday 17 May.

Sam has drafted a calendar of relevant E&D events.  Oli advised that he will arrange a Cultural Festival in November after Interfaith Week.

The committee agreed to definately support Black History Month, International Women's Week and Interfaith Week, LGBT History Month and 10 others over year.  The Committee talked about what other events they should support and initial thoughts were:-

• International Day for the Eliminatin of Violence against Women
• International Human Rights Day

Oli updated the Committee on the Improving Participation Survey which he will be taking to AGM.  Future Actions from the Survey are:-

• For Course Reps to conduct focus gropus in October to gain more information on participation restrictions.
• To hold a repeated Inspiring women event  in the new academic year along with other groups.  Suggestion to target Ethinicity Groups.
• To speak with University to increase their student data categories to include gender categories and ethnicity groups.
• To identify key employability facotrs of all SUSU positions.

No nominations were received for the Disabilities Coordinator vacant position.

The Committee spoke about E&D relevant Committee AGM ideas.

As there was no other business the meeting closed at 2.20pm.