At UEA our strategic plan states that “we will ensure that we have processes in place to nurture and develop our talented academic and professional services staff at all stages of their careers and ensure equality of opportunity at all levels of the institution.”  Among the many equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives that the University supports, the Athena Swan Awards recognise commitment to and progress in advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine in higher education and research.

Visit the University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages to find out more or select one of the options below.

 

 

At the Norwich Medical School, we understand the importance of supporting and managing career breaks and considering flexible working.


The Norwich Medical School has set up a ‘Supporting All at Work’ fund enabling anyone returning from a period of leave (including maternity/paternity/ adoption) to request funding to help facilitate their effective return. This can include but is not restricted to: IT purchase, additional training, administrative support and conference attendance.

We seek to demonstrate how our school actively considers gender equality and inclusivity.  We seek to embed the Athena Swan Charter principles into the culture and workings of the department and to project these principles to the outside world.

We have two regular social events run by the school:

  • The Norwich Medical School Soirée takes place on the first Friday of every month at 5pm in the Bob Champion Research and Education Building Atrium, with all staff and Postgraduate research students across the Faculty of Medicine and Health welcome to attend.
  • MED-i-Cake is a social coffee morning open to everyone in MED, which takes place on a monthly basis, and gives everyone a chance to meet and mingle with free cake and coffee to provide a mid-morning boost!

After recognising an acute need to address a well-documented attainment gap for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students in Higher Education in 2019, Norwich Medical School (NMS) established a dedicated school role. Dr Joanna Semlyen was appointed as the Lead for Diversity and Inclusion, responsible for taking a proactive approach in introducing effective measures to address issues related to diversity and inclusion at NMS and with a prioritised focus on addressing the BAME attainment gap in medical education. A copy of the June 2021 summary report "From Reaction to Action: Tackling BAME Differential Attainment in Norwich Medical School" is available as a downloadable PDF.

 

At the Norwich Medical School, we recognise that students are at the centre of what we do and we are actively seeking ways to ensure that we provide an inclusive, welcoming environment to all our students. This includes taking an active look at different ways of approaching learning, teaching and assessment in higher education, to promote success for all.

Supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Norwich Medical School

We are a diverse community that actively promotes a positive and safe experience for all members of our community both educationally and socially. We have zero tolerance of discrimination, harassment or abuse. We expect all students and staff to take personal responsibility for their actions to ensure nothing is said or done to cause harm or distress to students or staff. This includes being mindful of language and behaviour that is unacceptable, offensive and potentially unlawful.


We ask students to come forward if they experience or witness unacceptable language or behaviour from a patient, fellow student or a tutor. We understand that it may not easy to raise concerns or to challenge others. Students are reassured that they will be supported in raising their concerns, that these will be investigated sensitively, while ensuring that their confidentiality is appropriately protected.


Our zero tolerance for such behaviours has also been reinforced to all of our clinical placement providers. We also ensure that all staff involved in teaching on the course have completed training in equality, diversity and inclusion.