Human Resources Division
Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Staff Network
Welcome to the University's Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Staff Network. We welcome all individuals who work for the University, a College or an associated institution who identify as BME.
About us
The BME Staff Network is an initiative that was originally developed from the findings of a staff survey that was carried out by the Race Equality Advisory Group (REAG) in 2006. As a result of the Survey and other work undertaken by the E&D section, the BME Staff Network was launched in 2009.
The BME Staff Network works closely with Professor Ian White, one of the University's Equality Champions.
How can I join?
- Join the mailing list.
- Email the Steering Group Secretary, Oksana Gerasimova at oksana.gerasimova@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Steering Group
The steering group has five members from each of the different staff groups at the University and includes a Chair and a Secretary. Each member is elected and serves a two-year term.
If you would like to know more about the work of the Steering Group, please contact the University's E&D Consultant for BME staff at kevin.coutinho@admin.cam.ac.uk.
For support and advice, you can email a member of the Steering Group. All enquiries will be treated confidentially.
Members 2011–13
Terry Ndee, Acting Chair
Terry is an Associate Director, Trusts and Foundations at the University's Development Office. He has worked at the University since 2001 and was a member of the University's Race Equality Action Group (REAG) and is a member of the Management Board for the Centre for African Studies.
Oksana Gerasimova, Secretary of the Steering Group
Oksana is an Administrator at the Centre for Personal and Professional Development.
Yvonne Bent-Elliott
Yvonne is the Equality & Diversity Events Co-ordinator
Rajashree Dhanaraj
Rajashree works in the Faculty of Divinity.
- rd222@cam.ac.uk
What do we do?
Alongside the University's other Diversity Networks the BME Staff Network provides information and support to staff, assists with the co-ordination of diversity events and helps the University to progress equality by:
- Providing a regular forum for discussing diversity issues at work or study.
- Providing networking opportunities.
- Raising issues in a safe environment.
- Contributing to policy development and implementation.
- Participating in policy consultation, such as the University's Equality Assurance Assessment.
- Organising social events.
- Arranging events to raise awareness and celebrate diversity, such as Black and Minority Ethnic History Season, Holocaust Memorial Day and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month..
- Contributing to staff development activities..
- Developing links with local BME communities.
Buddying and Mentoring
The Network has also recently set-up an informal buddying and mentoring initiative which aims to support any Black and Minority Ethnic staff member who is either new to Cambridge or simply wants a buddy. The scheme is co-ordinated by Oksana Gerasimova. If you would like to volunteer as a Buddy or Mentor email oksana.gerasimova@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Advice, help and support
Advice: Your Rights Are Protected in Law
The University of Cambridge is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity (p151 Statutes and Ordinances).
This means that the University will make every effort to foster a study and work environment that is free of unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation for Black and Minority Ethnic people.
The University provides support to staff through the:
- The University's Combined Equality Scheme.
- Dignity@Work scheme.
- HR policies, HR Business Managers and HR Advisors.
- Diversity Networks.
- University Counselling Service.
Complaints
Members of staff who believe that they have been discriminated against on grounds of disability may make a complaint via the University's:
- Grievance procedures in connection with their terms and conditions of employment.
- Dignity@Work Policy.
Events
Working with the E&D team, the BME Staff Network provides formal representation and support at talks and lectures focussed on the BME community during the academic year including [insert an event]. It is also a partner in the annual BME History Season programme for Cambridgeshire, which includes the University's BME History Month Lecture. Speakers at this have been Diane Abbott MP and Trevor Hall CBE. The 2010 speaker is Dr Shihan de Silva and the talk will be held on 27th October at Selwyn College.
External links
Cambridge Human Rights and Equality Support Service (CHESS)
CHESS provides free help, advice, guidance, support and advocacy to individuals and families who are experiencing or have experienced discrimination, harassment or victimisation because of:
- Age.
- Disability.
- Gender Reassignment.
- Marriage and Civil Partnership.
- Pregnancy and Maternity.
- Race.
- Religion and Belief
- Sex and Sexual Orientation.
It helps with:
- Problems in the work-place.
- Issues with employers/employment agencies.
- Problems getting access to services such as housing, healthcare, education and social welfare.
- Issues with the police, courts or prison service.
- Issues with other organisations.
- Problems with other members of the public.
To book an appointment call 01223 462615 or email chessenquiries@cecf.co.uk. See also the service's opening hours.
The Open Out Scheme to Report Hate Crime
The Open Out scheme was set up by Cambridgeshire's Community Safety Partnerships in 2001 following the Steven Lawrence Inquiry. It aims to provide a third-party reporting scheme for victims and witnesses of hate crime.
Hate crime takes on many forms from bullying to harassment and attack. It is subjecting people to harassment or victimisation because of their race, faith, sexuality, gender, or disability.
Open Out is now working with other charities and organisations to offer support, advice and information to victims or witnesses of hate crime. As well as receiving anonymous reports they can act as an intermediary with the police should someone choose to report an incident.
For more information about hate crime and the scheme, or to talk to a trained Open Out worker you can call 01223 823552 or 07850131583 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday or visit www.openoutcambs.org.
Racial Harassment Service
Cambridge City Council can offer advice and help to anyone living in Cambridge suffering racial harassment.
If an individual or members of his/her family have been subject to racial harassment, have witnessed a racial incident or have concerns about racial harassment in any way s/he can call the Racial Harassment Service on 01223 457967 or the 24 hour emergency number 07973 883 261.
Resources and training
Cambridge & Diversity Project
The Cambridge & Diversity Project celebrates and explores eight hundred years of history by discovering the stories of its current, and past, staff and students at the University. Profiled individuals include Alison Hennegan, Pav Akhtar and Sir Derek Jacobi.
Springboard and Navigator
The University provides two gender specific personal development programmes for staff and post-graduate students:
Both programmes are designed to encourage participants to fully identify opportunities for personal and professional development and to develop plans to realise them.
Navigator and Springboard may particularly appeal to Black and Minority Ethnic staff who are interested in exploring their individual needs, developing confidence and assertiveness techniques, and engaging with ideas for self-empowerment.
Recruitment for the 2010/11 programmes has started and you can sign up through the CPPD course list.
Centre for Personal and Professional Development
The University's Centre for Personal and Professional Development facilitates learning opportunities for all university staff enabling them to achieve their potential and contribute to the provision of excellent teaching and research in the University.