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Would you like to become a Dignity and Respect Champion to support and promote an inclusive culture at Sussex?

There is now an opportunity to apply for the role as we are expanding the network.

Following the launch of our Dignity and Respect policy [PDF 678KB] in 2019, a network of Dignity and Respect Champions were recruited in early 2020. They were then trained and began offering support to staff in 2020.

David Ruebain, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Culture, Equality and Inclusion said: “Our whole campus community has a right and a responsibility to experience and engender a culture of dignity and respect for everyone. Having a group of champions who can provide this support and ensure that staff are signposted to the most relevant advice and guidance is a critical part of us being an inclusive campus.

“Having a more diverse network with greater representation from marginalised and under-represented groups will build on the success we have seen so far.”

Sharon Neal, Assistant Director of Culture and Inclusion said: “Our Dignity and Respect Champions are volunteers who offer staff who have witnessed or experienced disrespectful behaviour the opportunity to meet in a confidential, objective space, to be heard and to consider their next steps.

“Champions are a much-valued part of our support for staff, and we are looking to recruit more volunteers to join our network. We are keen to increase the diversity of the network and are reaching out specifically to staff from marginalised groups.”

If you would like to find out more about becoming a champion, there are four scheduled Zoom drop-in sessions to introduce the role to anybody who thinks they would be interested in joining the existing team.

Book your place on one of the following lunchtime sessions between 12 and 1pm:

• Tuesday 16 November
• Thursday 18 November
• Monday 22 November
• Wednesday 24 November

The sessions will be led by Assistant Director of Culture and Inclusion Sharon Neal and HR Business Partner Helen Loy.

You’ll also be able to hear from the existing champions network who will be able to answer any questions and provide further insight to the role.

The applications will open from Monday 6 December and will close on Friday 14 January.

Visit our Dignity and Respect webpages for further information and guidance.