University is rated Gold for Gender Equality
Released: Monday 13th June 2011 at 09:19
The University has been awarded Gold status for its commitment to gender equality and diversity.
Opportunity Now, part of Business in the Community, has commended the University for its efforts in accelerating change for women in the workplace. The results of their benchmarking survey have shown the University scoring above both public and private sector benchmarks in nearly all of the areas covered. The survey also took a broad look at equality diversity and inclusion and again the University scored above and beyond other organisations, achieving 100% in areas such as corporate commitment and engagement, and integration. The feedback report states that 'the University of Sunderland clearly has a long history of working on diversity and inclusion with a strong focus on gender'. The University is praised as best practice for its dedicated and publicly accessible web page which focuses on gender diversity. The University's Gender Equality Scheme and Gender Duty Action Plan are applauded, along with its clear measurable and timetabled actions, its interesting programme of work, and its clearly identified responsibilities and senior level accountability. Another celebrated area of the University's work is its 'excellent framework for measuring and monitoring' such as the regular monitoring and wide dissemination of its workforce metrics, the impact of its policies and its progress against diversity plans throughout the organisation and beyond. The University's Equality and Diversity annual report is seen as indicating a commitment to openness and transparency, and its equal pay audits shows year on year progress over seven years. Finally, the survey witnessed the University's impressive commitment to learn and improve over time. The University will study all feedback in order that we can learn from areas of activity that are challenging to us, and will continue to work to promote and deliver good practice in gender and wider areas of diversity.