Beyond Bias: The University of Hull’s Human Living Library & Path to Inclusive Excellence

In a series of webinars promoting Inclusive Best Practices from a variety of sectors, Inclusive Companies are delighted to partner with the University of Hull to take a deeper dive into their commitment to Inclusion.

The University of Hull were recently shortlisted for the Inclusive Culture Initiative Award at the Inclusive Award for their pioneering Human Living Library Project, an initiative designed to deepen understanding and awareness within the university community by capturing and sharing authentic, lived experiences.

During this webinar, learn from the team behind the project and how they are expanding its reach by collaborating with other institutions and networks focused on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Discover how the project documents the impact of societal changes on our understanding of diverse identities and helps shape a more inclusive and aware community at the University of Hull.

 Key Topics Covered:

• Human Living Library Project: Discover the origins, purpose, and ongoing impact of this initiative. Explore the online resources, including videos, quotes, and stories that foster self-guided exploration of biases.
• EDI Transparency Report and Video: Gain insights into the latest EDI Transparency Report, highlighting the university’s commitment to inclusion. Understand how the Transparency Video promotes awareness and demonstrates the university’s progress on EDI initiatives.
• EDI Governance and Reporting: Learn about the structures in place for effective EDI governance at the University of Hull. Explore the processes and reporting mechanisms that support accountability and continuous improvement in diversity and inclusion.

Facilitators:

Hayley Pickard – Dumas Head of EDI, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Hull. I have worked at the university now for almost 3 years and before that spent 14 years in policing conducting various roles. In late 2017 a role in EDI came up in Humberside Police and I jumped at the opportunity to bring my passion for equity to life and influence others to see the benefits of inclusive practices. During the last 3 years here at UoH, my team and I have transformed how we approach Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We have introduced a new governance structure, reinvigorated staff networks, raised awareness around inequalities and together with our colleagues across the institution started to tackle systemic issues in HE. We know that we have a long way to go to becoming a fully inclusive employer and education provider but are committed to working hard every step of the way.” Hayley Pickard – Dumas Head of EDI, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Hull. I have worked at the university now for almost 3 years and before that spent 14 years in policing conducting various roles. In late 2017 a role in EDI came up in Humberside Police and I jumped at the opportunity to bring my passion for equity to life and influence others to see the benefits of inclusive practices. During the last 3 years here at UoH, my team and I have transformed how we approach Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We have introduced a new governance structure, reinvigorated staff networks, raised awareness around inequalities and together with our colleagues across the institution started to tackle systemic issues in HE. We know that we have a long way to go to becoming a fully inclusive employer and education provider but are committed to working hard every step of the way.

EErika Butane – EDI Administrator, Culture and Engagement Coordinator and Humal Living Library Coordinator at the University of Hull. I started at the university as an intern to establish the Human Living Library at Hull University. Alongside another intern we started the project from a written brief, and I have since carried this project on, continuously adding new lived experiences and identities to the project. Alongside this I also begun my work in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion with the EDI team at UoH, growing my knowledge and interest in the space of EDI and taking on a variety of projects to make the university a great place to work and study. We are continuing that work and commitment and won’t slow down.