Nomination - Scotland's Diversity Awards 2018

Very pleased to announce I have been nominated and shortlisted for the Rising Star category of Scotland's Diversity Awards 2018, for my work and research on equality and inclusion as a lecturer in Career Guidance and Development at UWS. The university's media release is included below.


Diversity Awards News Story


Media release
05 September 2018

UWS SHORTLISTED FOR TWO DIVERSITY AWARDS


The University of The West of Scotland (UWS) has been shortlisted for ‘Diversity In The Public Sector Award’ and the ‘Rising Star Diversity Award’ in The Herald and GenAnlytics Diversity Awards 2018.

One of UWS’ core Truths is to be “an inclusive organisation that welcomes and values diversity” and as Scotland’s largest modern university, UWS is widely recognised as one of the country’s leading institutions in widening participation in Higher Education.

This major, national diversity award recognises organisations and individuals for demonstrating a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. In being shortlisted for ‘Diversity in the Public Sector’ the university has clearly displayed its commitment to encouraging people from the widest possible range of backgrounds to access Higher Education.

Leading from the top is Vice Principal Professor Craig Mahoney who created the UWS Inspiring Women Series, now in its fifth year. The series was designed to empower staff and students to reach for new opportunities and enhance their professional pathways. Over the years, the programme has evolved with different Schools within UWS hosting talks under the ‘UWS Inspiring Women’ banner, embedding the practice throughout the university.

In addition, UWS has supported wider equality initiatives, establishing equality staff groups and a female leadership programme which encourages women in academic and professional roles to think of themselves as leaders, to develop leadership skills, and to help institutions maximise their potential.

Shortlisted for the coveted ‘Rising Star Diversity Award’ is UWS early career lecturer Emma Bolger. Emma has been pivotal in redeveloping the university’s MSc in Career Guidance and Development, guaranteeing that equality and inclusion are at its core.

Emma is co-writing a new Advance HE Equality and Diversity in the Curriculum practice guide for all course leaders. She has implemented a redesign of the placement programme ensuring they are also available within diversity and inclusion organisations and has established a family-friendly timetable for those with caring commitments.

She has delivered external training in equality in career guidance alongside her timetabled teaching and she has established a regular open-access diversity seminar programme, open to internal staff and external practitioners. She has secured external advisory roles, and is part of the advisory panel for the Scottish Women’s Aid Building Employability Project.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal & Vice-Chancellor, UWS said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for two Diversity Awards. The ‘Diversity in the Public Sector Award’ is a real coup and highlights all that we do as a university to ensure we widen participation and open up Higher Education to as many people as possible regardless of age, gender or background.

“In addition, huge congratulations must go to Emma Bolger for being shortlisted in the ‘Rising Star’ category, this is a real accolade and is testament to her tireless efforts and consistent work to champion diversity. She has helped to implement real change here at UWS and she has inspired so many staff and students, as well as other individuals who come into contact with her.”

The Herald and GenAnlytics Diversity Awards 2018 in association with Standard Life Aberdeen take place on Thursday, October 11 at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.


ENDS//
For more information, please contact Lauren Gaston / Naomi Clark, Marketing and Communications Officer at UWS, on 0141 849 4230 / firstname.lastname@uws.ac.uk
Notes to Editors:
About University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest modern universities. It aims to have a transformational influence on the economic, social and cultural development of the West of Scotland, and beyond, by providing relevant, high quality, inclusive higher education and innovative and useful research. The University aims to make the communities it serves more successful; and create opportunities for all to participate.

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