Equality and Diversity
We implement and champion equality, diversity and inclusion activities and initiatives through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, involving academic and administrative staff, post-doctoral research associates, undergraduate and postgraduate students. However, we also advocate community decision-making, ensuring everyone at all levels of the Department has a say in the future of the Department and we encourage projects such as ‘affinity groups’ supporting minoritized groups in finding community with the Department, and generating opportunities for mentorship.
As a Department, we strive to make everyone feel part of our community. We recognise that not all individuals have had access to the same opportunities but we believe all members of our Department should experience equitable treatment and it can be achieved by providing everyone with the support they need to reach their full potential. We aim to ensure equitable treatment of members of the Department, in our approach to teaching and supporting students, employing and managing staff, and supporting the research and development of academics and faculty members.
The Department of Earth Sciences is proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze Award, a charter for women in science, recognising commitment to advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research and we are working towards the Silver award.
You can find out more about our approach to equality and diversity by navigating the tabs below.
Our ‘Affinity groups’ support minoritized groups in finding community with the department, and generate opportunities for mentorship.
Who are we?
The affinity group aims to provide a safe space for LGBTQIA+ members of the Department to find community and solidarity in a relaxed space. Anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ or who is questioning their identity is welcome, and the group runs some events which include allies too. As well as just generally chatting, the group also discuss navigating Earth Sciences and the University as LGBTQIA+ people.
The affinity group is run by two DPhil students, with help from a Faculty lead.
What do we do?
The LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group meet monthly and host a mixture of events inside and outside the Department (all of which have snacks!). They also run a termly LGBTQIA+ themed book club. As well as monthly updates, the group has a mailing list - please email lgbtq.affinity@earth.ox.ac.uk if you wish to be added. Mailing list subscribers will receive reminders of events, and items of interest which fall between scheduled newsletter mailings. Being on the mailing list comes with no obligation to attend, and your email/membership will be kept private.
The Department's Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) committee meets once a term to discuss and action EEDI matters. The committee is made up of representatives from the Faculty, Research Staff, Student and Administrative job families, who work together to host events, recognise key celebrations of diversity and raise awareness across the Department. They are also responsible for the Department's Athena Swan application and action plan.
The committee's Terms of Reference are as follows:
- To promote equality and diversity within the Department of Earth Sciences on grounds of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, religion and age.
- To promote and support work/life balance for all students, members of staff and their families within the Department, including mental wellbeing.
- To improve the makeup of our community, especially in ethnic diversity, and in inclusivity amongst all members of the Department.
- To promote respect towards all members at all times, and an environment free of all kinds of bullying and harassment.
- Lead on the Athena SWAN application, and coordinate the implementation of the action plan on promoting gender equality
- Consider workplace changes as they relate to and possible impact on equality, diversity and inclusion.
- To monitor and report on: 1. Flexible working arrangements 2. Ratios of applicants and successes, where appropriate, under equality criteria for undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral and staff opportunities 3. To monitor career support and mentoring for staff in the Department.
- To inform the Department and its committees generally of the work of the committee and any initiatives within this area.
Employees or students who are new to the Department of Earth Sciences and have children, or who are thinking about starting a family, will find a supportive attitude backed up by family-friendly policies and working practice.
The Department welcomes flexible working to assist parents with their childcare arrangements. The core hours in the Department are 10.00am until 3.00pm.
Children are welcome at departmental social events. The Researcher’s Common Room within our building was explicitly modified during the design of our new building in order that it should be safe for children.
There are also baby changing and rest/private feeding facilities available within the department, accessible to all parents.
The University is proud to offer a comprehensive range of high quality childcare at affordable prices. Details can be found via the University Childcare Services website (http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/childcare/). Parents or prospective parents are advised to register as soon as possible with this service as waiting lists can be long.
Family leave
For students: policies on family leave for students are available via the Student Parents part of the website.
For all staff (including post-docs): The University policies on Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave and adoption and parental emergency leave can be found on the Family leave section of the University Personnel Services website. This leave is applicable to all staff (Support and Academic) within the University. The information given on this website applies to all University staff. It details what an employee has to do before the birth, during maternity leave and after maternity leave. This is a very detailed website, if you have any questions please contact Emma Smith, HR Manager (personnel@earth.ox.ac.uk).
If you are employed by a college, your entitlements may be different from university employees. Each college has its own set of policies with respect to parental leave that may differ significantly from one another so it is advisable to contact your college as soon as possible.
Whether you are employed by the University or a college, you have statutory rights to maternity leave.
The Earth Sciences Carers Fund
We recognise that parents with young children, or those with caring responsibilities, can find it very difficult to take opportunities to attend seminars or present work at conferences, yet these are important things to do for research, teaching and career development, and to foster networking and collaboration opportunities. The Department of Earth Sciences is now offering discretionary funds of up to £250 (per event) to help towards increased caring costs resulting from such activities.
This is open to all members of staff and postgraduate students, particularly those in the early stages of their career, who are attending conferences, seminars and courses.
Download our Family Fact Sheet
The Department has 12 trained Mental Health First Aiders accredited by MHFA England who are here to offer help and support to anyone who may need it.
Please do reach out to any one of us if you need to discuss your mental health and well-being in a safe environment.
