Equity Diversity and Inclusion
FoodBioSystems is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). We recruit a diverse cohort and are building a doctoral researcher and staff body that reflects the diversity of society.
Partner universities demonstrate high standards of diversity and inclusion practices. In recognition of gender equality, Queen’s University Belfast were awarded the Gold Athena Swan Award in 2023, all other host universities hold Bronze or Silver, with many schools holding Gold awards. Partner universities are members of the Race Equality Charter, achieving or working towards Bronze award. University of Reading leads on mental health awareness and training, reflecting the 2022 HUMEN University Mental Health report where they ranked 1st (of 80).
Our actions to promote diversity and inclusion within the DTP include:
- anonymising our application and shortlisting process and using a standardised application form
- advertising PhD opportunities as widely as possible
- offering reasonable adjustments at interview for shortlisted candidates who have disclosed a disability or specific learning difference
- encouraging applications from under-represented ethnic groups by offering a guaranteed interview scheme and mentoring scheme for eligible applicants with UK fees status
- ensuring that all of our interview panellists have undertaken unconscious bias training
- providing an inclusive training environment
- including equity, diversity and inclusion focused training in our programme (for doctoral researchers and supervisory teams)
- monitoring our EDI data carefully
- having staff in the DTP management team who place a focus on well-being of DTP researchers and EDI across the partnership
More information about our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy is available here.