Over 300 colleagues came together on Monday 8 July for our first Inclusive Durham Festival. The event was an opportunity for staff to hear about our Inclusive Durham Framework and to find out more about the ongoing work and activity taking place across the University to help build a more inclusive culture and to share best practice.  

The day started with an Early Bird session. Professor Mike Shipman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost opened the Festival. Colleagues could choose from a range of sessions focusing on inclusivity and collaboration, how to lead with integrity and demonstrate commitment to excellence, and sessions on citizenship. There was also an opportunity for networking. 

One of the sessions covered accessible communication. Becs Grundy, Senior Communications and Engagement Manager (Internal), co-delivered the session. Becs provides her account of the Festival. 

''A few months ago, I registered for our first ever Inclusive Durham Festival. Having agreed to co-lead one of the sessions, I was keen to get involved in the full day and get a sense of what inclusivity means to colleagues and how it impacts their work, as well as hearing about the newly launched Inclusive Durham Framework.

Becs Grundy, singing with the Staff Chamber Choir, as part of the Citizenship session.

Topics covered

''From the welcome and introduction by our Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mike Shipman, to the closing remarks from our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O’Brien, and at all the colleague-led information and engagement sessions in between, I felt there was a real sense of energy and purpose to the day.

''Topics covered in the information sessions ranged from culture change and LGBT+ inclusion, to staff wellbeing and widening access and participation. There was a chance to put questions to panel members as well as getting involved in discussions and sharing personal experiences in matters relating to equality, diversity and inclusion. Head Chaplain, Gavin Wort, led a mindfulness session or you could instead choose to participate in the inclusive warm up before hearing the Staff Chamber Choir singing pieces written by women.

''A particular highlight for me was hearing about the work being undertaken around student voice. It really made me think about how we need to facilitate opportunities for students to be heard and understood, as well as acknowledging that finding the student voice means more than finding one person to represent the views of a group.

Inclusive communications

The session I co-led was on accessibility in our marketing and communications – from legal requirements to good practice.

''Given that our University is made up of a diverse community with diverse needs, it’s important that our everyday communications are accessible to all. We all have a role in this so do have a look at our accessible communications top tips.

''As an Internal Communications team, we have done our own research into what good practice looks like. But we don’t claim to be experts and we are still very much learning and adapting.

''Actually, one of my key takeaways of the Festival, reinforced in a number of sessions I attended, was: intention is key. We don’t have to get everything right, but we do have to have good intentions.

''In addition to this, my top three learnings from the day are:

• We all need to play our part in the culture we want to see.
• An individual’s perception is their reality.
• Authentic listening goes beyond a simple “you said, we did”. You need to demonstrate that you have not just heard someone but that you have understood them.

''If you didn’t get the chance to attend the Festival, I encourage you to look out for the dedicated SharePoint site when it goes live where you'll find some presentations, recordings and further information about the day. Of course, you also missed out on some top-notch brownies, but don’t worry, there’s always next year.''

A colleague chatting with Tony Magaia (middle) and Angela Johnson (right) from our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team

Professor Oakleigh Welply, Deputy Executive Dean (People and Culture) and June Hedley, Organisation Development Business Partner took part in the panel discussion looking ahead to our Inclusive Durham Framework.

Oakleigh said: “It was a privilege to be part of the Inclusive Durham Festival this year. By bringing together people from across the University, it has greatly contributed to opening up dialogue around equality, diversity and inclusion as well as showcase people’s expertise and the great work they are doing across the institution. This event signals the firm commitment of the university and of all who work there to such values.”

June said: “The Festival provided a great opportunity for us to come together as a community and to learn more about our Inclusive Durham Framework, as well as what part we play in creating our inclusive culture.” 

Callum Walton, a General Services Supervisor, who also attended the Inclusive Durham Festival said: "There is so much more to know and find out about - eye opening!"

Save the date for next year’s Festival, which will take place on Thursday 19 June.