Following the completion of the first of its two years of operation, LSE’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Taskforce has released its ‘Progress report on equity, diversity and inclusion matters at LSE (2015–16)’.

The report outlines the principal objectives of the taskforce and its key practical outcomes and initiatives, encompassing: gender diversity in relation to pay, hiring, promotion and workload; developing anti-bullying and anti-harassment reporting and resolution mechanisms; an EDI audit of professional services staff; the Race in the Academy research project; the Stonewall Workplace Equality submission and support of the School’s Athena SWAN application; fostering a more inclusive School culture; institutionalising EDI around LSE; and improving EDI-related communications.

The EDI team would like to thank the members of its steering committee and working groups for their valuable contributions to the work of the Taskforce in its first year. The team would also like to express its appreciation to the many individuals around the School who have provided feedback, ideas and suggestions on EDI-related activities and projects.

Gender and ethnicity earnings gap at LSE

The EDI Taskforce commissioned a statistical analysis of the pay and promotion gap of women for academic staff and the pay gap of women and ethnic minorities for professional services staff in 2015. We are really thankful to Professor Oriana Bandiera from the Department of Economics, LSE, for her work and support in undertaking this important analysis. The report was announced by Professor Julia Black, LSE's Director, via a School-wide communication on 5 September 2016.

EDI and Organisational Learning Autumn Training Courses

From September 2016 to January 2017, the Cultural Ability Development Engagement & Talent (CADET) programme for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic employees will be run by Imperial College London. Please contact Joy Whyte for more information and to be added to the programme mailing list.

Widening Participation ninth annual Black Achievement Conference: an 'inspirational' experience

As part of Black History Month, the LSE Widening Participation team ran their ninth annual Black Achievement Conference on Saturday 15 October. Over 170 young people aged 14–18 from state schools and colleges and approximately 50 parents, carers and teachers attended the conference.

Hosted by presenter and entertainer Kat B, the conference included a keynote speech from award-winning entrepreneur and finalist of The Apprentice, Bianca Miller. Participants also had the chance to engage in various workshops to inspire and support their decisions about future education choices, with parallel sessions for adult attendees. Further information on the event is featured in the Ninth Annual Black Achievement Conference briefing in LSE Staff News.

Tackling sexism and lad culture on campus

On Thursday 24 November 2016, between 11am to 3.30pm, Westminster Briefing is organising a conference on how higher education institutions are engaging with sexism and discrimination on campus. The confirmed speakers of the event include: Hareem Ghani (National Women’s Officer, NUS); Chloe Wynne (Welfare and Campaigns Officer, Warwick SU); Anna Dodridge (Student Advice Manager, KCL SU); Dr Jon Sharp (Director of Student Services, University of East Anglia); Dr Pam Alldred (Senior Lecturer in Education and Youth Work Studies, Brunel University London); and the chair, Dr Vanita Sundaram (Senior Lecturer in Education, University of York).

Applications being accepted for BMEntor

A cross-institutional mentoring scheme for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) academics and researchers between UCL, LSE and Queen Mary is in place. The deadline for expressing interest in becoming a mentee or mentor is Friday 16 December 2016. Please visit the website of BMEntor scheme for more information and to download relevant forms.