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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Developing sustainable energy solutions is a complex task that requires imaginative thinking from people of different backgrounds.

ReNU and ReNU+ share this ethos and are fully committed to improving representation across all groups.

Some of the key steps we have taken in the ReNU programme include:

  • 34% of our PhD cohort are female and 22% are from a minority background. This compares with an overall average of 30% female and 11% ethnic minority PhD students sponsored by EPSRC.
  • ReNU project supervisors cover a broad spectrum of early career to professorial level academics as well as both male and female (25%).
  • Compulsory training on unconscious bias and mental health, delivered by Northumbria University’s NUSTEM and Durham University Counselling Services.
  • Cohort based training activities, such as group learning and team projects, as well as social and networking events.
  • EDI, Teaching and Student Experience delivery groups for monitoring and improving ReNU activities. Student reps are a key part of our delivery groups.

Achieving Net Zero requires the full range of perspectives and lived experiences for an equitable and sustainable energy transition. ReNU+ welcomes and encourages applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and part-time students.

For more information please see below.

Advertising and Selection Policy process

Advertising & Application process:
Gender decoding software will be used to create more inclusive and diverse role descriptions and projects will then be advertised by each institution. Instead of a project proposal, candidates are to submit answers to a set of competency based assessment/questions and their CV to the applicant portal for the university they are applying to.

Pre-application workshops:
Pre-application support workshops to help potential applicants learn more about a PhD and PGR attributes before applying and provide an informal opportunity to ask questions.

Assessment of candidates:
A competency-based assessment will be part of the selection process, where candidates will be tested on attributes commonly associated with successful PhD study, such as initiative, effective interpersonal skills, and motivation for the PhD program.  This is in addition to completion of the standard PhD application form, CV and references. 

Interview:
Interview panellist will not be of a single gender and undergone unconscious bias training. Questions and instructions will be provided to candidates in advance.

Support & Training available to ReNU+ Students

Mentoring and support:
Each student will select a mentor from a range of PhD students, early career researchers and staff who will support them throughout their entire PhD journey and beyond.

This mentoring programme will be integrated into the training programme, with dedicated sessions for both mentors and mentees, and allied to this, staff will be given support as to how to support PGR students with non-traditional backgrounds. 

Dedicated Progression Tutor:
The ReNU+ Academic Progression Tutor will receive neurodiversity training to support the admission and progression doctoral candidates from non-traditional educational backgrounds.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI):
All ReNU+ supervisors and students will undertake mandatory EDI training including Unconscious Bias training. 

 

 

Widening Participation

These activities aim to build wider relationships and interactions with the community, enhancing the impact of the ReNU+ programme and promoting a sustainable energy transition. 

ReNU+ training:
ReNU+ extends beyond training DCCs to also support a wider range of stakeholders in contributing to Net Zero by upskilling, reskilling as well as enrolling as a DCC. The targeted stakeholders include people who are unemployed, under-employed, carers, ex-armed forces, disabled, self-employed, returning from a career break or are industrialists. These groups will be able to either directly participate in a subset of the ReNU+ training programme or take part in a series of targeted engagements.

Taster sessions:
ReNU+ will run a series of Taster sessions for the public to engage with the ReNU+ team and civic partners. These sessions may cover for example, help with reducing energy bills, Q&A on flexible tariffs or domestic implementation of renewable energy technologies.

Workshops and Seminars:
These events will be open to the public and aim to educate and engage the community on important topics. 

Summer Schools:
ReNU+ aims to deliver a series of showcase, in-person Summer Schools that are open to all PhD students and focus on skills to deliver EPSRC priorities. Each Summer School will also incorporate networking events, careers sessions, and be used as a platform to highlight the contribution and careers of under-represented members of our community. 

 

Resources

Our host institutions Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham University are part of Athena Swan (gender equality), Stonewall (LGBTQ+ community), Race Equality Charter and Disability schemes (Disability Confident Employer- Northumbria, Durham, Business Disability Forum- Newcastle). Please click the relevant link for more details.

ReNU and ReNU+ particularly encourages applicants with disability or caring responsibilities. Please contact the relevant Institution Director to discuss your case prior to application. The following websites may also be useful:

  • Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) – student financial support for learning difficulty, health problem or physical disability.
  • Disability North – registered charity providing information, advice and support on any aspect of disability.
  • Carers Trust – partners with its network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support.
  • NHS – Social care and support guide.

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