Equality Week 2023

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Can You Hear Us? Equality Week 2023 at Bath Spa

Can you hear us? That is the question being asked during Equality Week at Bath Spa University, which runs from 20-24 March.

The week will be marked with a series of free events for staff, students and the general public, focusing on many issues around diversity and inclusivity.

Bath Spa University Equalities Officer Meg Robertson said:

“The Equality Week events will be centred around amplifying the voices of People of Colour, LGBTQIA+, disabled persons, and anyone who has ever felt like they’ve not been listened to. Sometimes the best way to learn, and take a step towards being an active ally is to listen to lived experiences.”

Events include an LGBT Bible Guide, a talk about Emperor Haile Selassi’s legacy in Bath, and a workshop on intersectionality and allyship.

Professor Sue Rigby, Vice Chancellor of Bath Spa University said:

“I’m lucky to lead a diverse community of about 1,000 staff and 11,000 students. What I value about them is that diversity. 

No-one is the same as another. No one group should be privileged over another. And inclusivity, to me, is about hearing all of those voices and celebrating all of the people who have those voices, and knowing that they’re listened to.

“Equality Week is really important because it’s a way we can focus ourselves on all the voices we need to hear. It wouldn’t be enough if it was the only week in the year when we cared, but it’s a really good showcase for all the ways in which we do care.”

Equality is an important issue at Bath Spa University, and work is continually ongoing to ensure equality for staff and students. According to research in 2020/21: 

• 8.1 per cent of senior staff identified as BAME compared to an average of 6.5 per cent at other universities in the South West, and 7.3 per cent of all universities. 
• 8.2 per cent of staff self-identified as disabled compared to a national average of 6 per cent at other universities.
• 6 per cent of staff reported their sexuality to be LGBT or ‘other’ compared to an average of 2.5 percent at other South West universities, and 3.7 per cent at all universities.
• Bath Spa University’s percentage of women in senior roles remains above all comparator groups.

For more about Equality Week at Bath Spa, and to book your place at any of the events, visit the webpage.