Division for the study of Law, Society and Social Justice (LSSJ) Student Equality Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Representatives

Equality, diversity and inclusivity for both students and staff are central concerns for LSSJ. We want to make sure that everyone studying and working in the Division feels equally included and respected, and is not subject to discrimination, harassment, or other forms of disadvantage or exclusion based on their personal characteristics. We want to make sure that where such barriers to inclusion exist they are identified and addressed.

Professor Rosemary Hunter, Co-Deputy Director (People and EDI) in the Division, has responsibility for the Division’s EDI Strategy and performance. The Division has established an EDI Co-ordinating Group which has the following functions:

• In line with the University’s EDI strategy and matters of concern raised by staff and students within the Division, devises and monitors the delivery of the Divisional EDI Strategy and Action Plan

• Keeps the Strategy and Action Plan under review and revises it as new matters come to the fore

• Shares information about activities occurring and issues arising within the various areas represented

• Acts as a forum to feed into and respond to University-level EDI strategies, policies, action plans and consultations.

• Acts collectively and individually as a point of reference and resource on EDI matters for staff and students within the Division.

  You will play a key role in the EDI Co-ordinating Group, providing a student voice, representing student concerns and proposing student-related initiatives.

  Primary responsibilities

  You will represent a body of students on the EDI Co-ordinating Group and liaise between the Co- ordinating Group, the Deputy Director (EDI) and the students whom you represent. This role will involve:

• Maintaining networks within the relevant student body (e.g. the Kent Union representative networks) in order to gain an awareness of EDI issues of concern to students within the Division, especially in relation to the protected characteristics of: disability; gender identity; race; religion and belief; sex; and sexual orientation

• Raising awareness with students and promoting student initiatives relating to EDI matters, in accordance with the LSSJ EDI Strategy

• Acting as a point of reference and resource for students on EDI matters, with the support of the Deputy Director (EDI). (For clarity, this will not require you to deal with individual grievances or complaints)

• Attending and contributing to Divisional EDI Co-ordinating Group meetings (held once per term)

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• Working as part of a team with academic and professional services staff and other student representatives in identifying and addressing EDI issues and advancing EDI in the Division.

Areas of representation

There are up to 6 positions available to represent the following groups:

• Racially minoritised students

• LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and more) students

• Disabled students/students with additional accessibility requirements

• Women students

• Students from low income groups/lower socio-economic backgrounds

  The Division recognises that these groups intersect with each other and students may wish to put themselves forward as representing or being an ally/supporter of more than one group. Membership of any group is taken to be on the basis of self-identification.

  Undergraduate students at any level, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research students are all eligible and invited to apply.

  Duration

  You will serve a term of 1-2 years depending on your programme and stage of study. The aim will be to have some continuity among student representatives from year to year rather than all student representatives being new each year.

  Benefits

  This role attracts 30 Employability Points and a £100 Amazon voucher per year.

  Other benefits include gaining greater knowledge of Divisional and University policies and processes, building your communication, teamwork and administrative skills, and giving a voice to under- represented groups of students.

  Initial briefings on EDI awareness and University and Divisional EDI policies and processes will be provided by the Deputy Director (EDI) and the Student Services Student EDI Officer.

  Criteria/Person specification

  The person specification details the necessary skills, qualifications, experience or other attributes needed to carry out the role. Applications are assessed against each of the criteria. Applications will be deemed unsuccessful if an essential criterion is not met. This may also help you self-select if you are suitable for the role.

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Selection process

Applications should be submitted to [email protected]. Your application should include:

1. Your CV

2. A cover letter or email (maximum 300 words) setting out:

   (a) whyyouareinterestedintherole
   (b) how you meet the essential and desirable criteria and (c) which group/s you are interested in representing

The closing date for applications is Monday 25 October.

The selection process will be conducted by the Deputy Director (EDI) and two other members of the EDI Co-ordinating Group. Selection is intended to be based primarily on the written applications, although interviews may be conducted if it is felt necessary to do so. Any interviews will be held online.

As far as possible selection will be made in order to try to achieve a balance of undergraduate, postgraduate, Canterbury, Medway and School/Centre representation.

Any questions about the role should be directed to Professor Hunter at [email protected].

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