Public Sector Equality Duty Report and Action Plan

In line with the Public Sector Equality Duty, the Hall’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee meets annually to review the EDI objectives and set an action plan for the following year. The EDI Meeting is chaired by the Senior Tutor/EDI Lead, who is joined by the two Hall Harassment Officers, the Tutor for Women, the Academic Registrar (who acts as Secretary), the MCR President, the MCR EDI Representative, the Junior Dean (Welfare), and the MCR Women’s Representative.

The Hall’s EDI Action Plan is updated annually in Trinity Term by the Hall’s EDI Committee, in consultation with the students, staff, and Fellows. The EDI Lead circulates minutes and reports on the main points of discussion, action points, and EDI targets at the Moderators (Governing Body) meeting.

These EDI Objectives for 2024/25 were agreed at the Trinity Term 2024 EDI meeting:

1. to continue to monitor equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the life of Blackfriars Hall;

Action Point: appoint an EDI representative for the SCR

2. to take measures to improve accessibility and facilities for those with disabilities or particular needs;

Action Point: ensure access to height adjustable furniture in the Hall’s library for all students who require it.

3. To improve the effective circulation of information to and among the student body, particularly in relation to support for LGBTQ+ students, sexual health advice, financial hardship support, and relevant groups in the wider University and the city of Oxford.

Action Point:  the Hall’s Student Handbook provides information on all these support services, and all students are given a copy on arrival. Resend the link to remind students throughout the year, and ensure that other information is circulated or displayed promptly. For next year: look to develop specific sections of the handbooks for information related to protected characteristics.