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researchers for research staff and postgraduate researchers
The demanding nature of research careers has a disproportionate effect on certain groups
As such, it is essential that the UK research community actively promotes diversity and equality in all aspects of the recruitment and career management of researchers.
Several organisations that aim to promote equality and diversity in higher education are listed here, organised by focus group; organisations that focus on multiple groups are listed under the heading 'Equality and Diversity'. A selection of these organisations is presented; for a more comprehensive resource, visit the Vitae equality and diversity page.
Equality Challenge Unit
The Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) promotes equality and diversity in higher education by supports the higher education sector to realise the potential of all staff and students, whatever their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and belief, or age, to the benefit of those individuals, higher education institutions and society.
The ECU works in partnership with higher education institutions and sector organisations, undertaking projects and research and providing practical support and guidance.
The UKRC
The UK resource centre for women in science, engineering, technology and the built environment (UKRC) works with employers, professional bodies, education institutions, women's organisations and networks, policy institutes, sector skills councils, the government and many others to promote gender equality in science, engineering, technology, and the built environment (SET). The UKRC offers tailored services for organisations and women at all career stages, including information on grants and bursaries, training, mentoring and coaching, news, events and influencing policy.
In collaboration with Vitae, The UKRC have designed an interactive one-day programme specifically for women working in academia titled ‘Managing your academic career: a career development programme for women’.
UKRC Connect has helped set up womens' networks in higher education institutions. Connect is an online database of womens' networks that links them together and is a powerful platform allowing individuals and networks to connect.
Athena SWAN Charter for Women in Science
The Athena SWAN Charter for Women in Science recognises and celebrates good employment practice for women working in science, engineering and technology (SET) in higher education and research. Any university or research institution which is committed to the advancement of the careers of women in SET in higher education and research can apply for membership.
The Daphne Jackson Trust
The Daphne Jackson Trust is an independent charity dedicated to returning talented scientists, engineers and technologists to careers after a break of two years or more. It offers flexible, part-time, paid Fellowships, normally for two years, in universities and industrial laboratories throughout the UK during which Fellows undertake a challenging research project and a retraining programme. The Trust has a 96% success rate in returning Fellows to science, engineering or technology careers.
The Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship scheme
The Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship scheme supports excellent scientists and engineers at an early stage of their career, and is designed to help them to progress to a permanent position. It is aimed specifically at researchers who require a flexible working pattern due to personal circumstances including parental/caring responsibilities and health issues.
L’Oréal Women in Science 2010
Science and the L’Oréal Foundation have teamed up once again to bring you the latest Women in Science booklet focusing on 16 women in five different areas of biology research. The essays about these scientists give you an idea of the differences and similarities between their jobs as well as some insight into their personal triumphs and struggles as they have built successful and meaningful careers. The interviews span the career spectrum from new scientists to more established researchers who have experienced the many ups and downs of a life in biology research.
L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science 2009
New for 2009, Science/AAAS in collaboration with the L'Oréal Corporate Foundation is proud to bring you this Young Women in Science booklet. Following on from the very successful 2008 Women in Science booklet, this year we bring you more exciting and inspirational stories. These new profiles, from interviews with young women at the start of their science careers, tell their stories of passion and persistence —what drives and excites them about their work in the sciences. We hope that young girls (and boys)—as well as their educators—will find fun and inspiration in these pages and learn a little about what life as a scientist is all about.
L’Oréal Women in Science 2008
This booklet, created by Science in partnership with the L'Oréal Corporate Foundation, brings to the reader a collection of truly inspirational stories from women in all walks of life whose common passion is science. Not all are famous, but they are all successful in their own right, whether it be receiving awards, juggling both a job and a family, or fighting discrimination or cultural restrictions. It is our hope that the words of wisdom contained in this booklet will motivate and inspire young women to pursue a career in science or engineering. In addition, educators are encouraged to make use of this publication as a teaching aid in their classrooms—for children of all ages and genders—to stimulate discussion on the role of women in the sciences.
Access to Work
Access to Work can help you if your health or disability affects the way you do your job. It gives you and your employer advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs.
UCU resources for Part-time workers
UCU provides several resources for fixed-term, part-time and hourly paid staff. For more information, visit the UCU website. Go here to learn more about employment rights, the UCU, and how the UKRSA and UCU work together.
Vitae resources for Parents
Vitae provides several resources for parents, including information on maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay, childcare vouchers, and flexible working for parents.
