All University staff are invited to take part in the BAME Staff Network All Staff Survey 2020, which launches on Thursday 8 October. Findings from the survey will help the BAME Staff Network explore and examine staff experiences of working at Kent.

About the Network

The BAME Staff Network was launched in 2019 to support the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity and provide an active forum for BAME staff to discuss issues and experiences important to them. Full Terms of Reference for the Network can be seen on the HR webpages.

Current Network Co-Chairs are Dr Bridget Ng’andu, Dave Thomas, Dr Barbara Aduwemi and Vanisha Jassal; all have been staff members at Kent for several years. Two of the Co-Chairs are also studying at the University. They therefore bring a range of experience and knowledge related to both staff and students – critical to a comprehensive understanding of BAME experiences at the University. To find out about the people behind the Network, take a look at the blog and videos produced by the Co-Chairs during the University’s virtual ‘Belong and Grow’ week in May 2020.

Following its launch last year, a key objective of the Network has been to reach out to all staff members so please contact the Network at bamestaffnetwork@kent.ac.uk if you would like to talk to the Co-Chairs about membership or any other matters. Please note that this inbox is only accessible by the four Co-Chairs and all communication will be kept confidential and anonymous.

Staff survey

The BAME Staff Network All Staff Survey 2020 will enable the Network to continue its collaborative work with the University’s senior management team to address racial inequalities and create an inclusive culture and environment, where all staff are able to thrive, irrespective of their race or ethnicity.

We want to hear the views of all staff on working at the University and whether you think there is anything we can do to eradicate racial discrimination and advance race equality. This survey is just one of the ways you can be involved and we will be communicating regularly to keep you up to date with the race equality work we are undertaking. We are seeking views from all staff – academic, professional services, Estates and Hospitality – to help inform our future actions. The survey has been approved by the SSPSSR ethics committee and the data will allow the Network to produce necessary research.

You can go directly to the survey by clicking on this link. The link includes more information about the survey’s purpose and objectives, and outlines its complete anonymity and confidentiality.

The survey will be open from 8 October until 8 November 2020 and the Network hopes that as many staff members as possible will participate. If you have any questions about the survey, please email the Co-Chairs at: bamestaffnetwork@kent.ac.uk

Thank you,
Bridget, Dave, Barbara and Vanisha, Co-Chairs of the BAME Staff Network