Gender Equality Steering Group

Information on the terms of reference for, and members of, the Gender Equality Steering Group (GESG)

About GESG
Aims of the Group
Membership Details
听-Main Expectations of Members
Descriptions of Role Responsibilities and Attributes
听 -Co-Chair
听 -Deputy Chair
听-厂别肠谤别迟补谤测
听-Athena Swan Lead
听-Communications Lead
听-Events Lead
听-Knowledge and Learning Lead
听-Research Liaison Lead
听-Policy Lead
听-Community Engagement Lead
听-Student Lead
听-General Members
Terms of Reference
Invitation for Expressions of Interest
Contact

About GESG

GESG was set up in 2019 to promote and coordinate good practice in gender equality at 911爆料网. The group does this by bringing together a broad range of perspectives through its members, who work with and challenge senior management and the whole institution to advance UCL鈥檚 gender equality priorities. GESG considers itself the grit that catalyses the formation of a rare pearl.

Aims of the Group

- Represent the views of staff and students and act as a body of expertise on gender equality issues.

- Raise awareness and deepen knowledge of gender equality issues.

- Advise senior management on fostering a gender inclusive culture.

- Act as a critical friend to the institution in its gender equality work.

- Identify and share inclusive practices for gender equality.

- Identify and challenge gender inequality through evidence-based interventions.

- Address issues intersecting with gender, causing multiple disadvantages.

- Work with other equality groups and stakeholders to ensure coordinated responses.

- Provide opportunities for social and professional networking.

Membership Details

- Open to all part-time or full-time UCL staff or students, regardless of contract status.

- Comprises around 20 members serving for two years usually, renewable for up to another two years.

- Previous experience in advancing equality is helpful but not essential in being a member.

Main Expectations of Members

- Have a passion for gender equality, mindful and respectful of all protected characteristics.

- Represent the principles of gender equality at 911爆料网 and advocate equality principles for all protected groups, intersectionality and broader equity issues.

- Actively contribute to the group鈥檚 work in meetings, activities and projects.

- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

- Be willing to commit to participate in a minimum of one meeting per term plus other meetings by exception, including an annual social event.

Occasionally, members may create smaller, temporary working groups for specific tasks.
Meetings are scheduled during core hours (10am-4pm) with as much notice as possible.
Meetings usually take place online to cater for hybrid and flexible working and last no longer than an hour without a break.
Agenda items and minutes of previous meetings are circulated in advance to allow members to provide input via e-mail if they cannot attend in person. 听听

- Engage in training and workshops relevant to the group's aims.

Descriptions of Role Responsibilities and Attributes

GESG membership comprises various roles, including General Members.

Support for GESG meetings and activity, including providing secretariat services in room bookings and recording all meeting minutes, is provided by the Office of the President and Provost (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion).听

Selection of members depends on:

The degree to which the outline of your motivation for GESG roles corresponds with the responsibilities and attributes of those roles, including General Members. Expressions of interest in specialised GESG roles will be prioritised.听
Representation of the diversity of UCL, including faculty/department or division, position type and equality areas as far as possible.
Maintaining balance between existing and new members to support continuity and consistency where possible.听

Co-Chair (requires substantial time commitment)

Responsibilities:听

Raise the profile of, and act as a first point of contact for, staff across UCL on issues of gender equality and intersectionality, providing leadership, strategic direction, guidance and support as needed.
Collaborate with the other Co-Chair and EDI Managers to develop agendas for GESG meetings and ensure each meeting is planned effectively, conducting them according to the Terms of Reference and with any matters dealt with in an orderly, efficient manner.
Moderate discussions during GESG meetings, ensuring efficient use of time and relevant delegation of tasks to members.
Partner with the other Co-Chair and EDI Managers to ensure effective allocation of the GESG budget by strategising activities, overseeing callouts for participation and encouraging members to organise initiatives.
Serve as a sounding board and stakeholder (on an ad hoc basis) for other teams across UCL seeking advice.
Engage in special and time-limited projects across UCL requiring leadership, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to drive progress and promote inclusivity.
Offer support and guidance to GESG role-holders and groups as and when needed, including the advertising, review and tracking of relevant funding opportunities and associated budgets.听听

Attributes:

Experience or expertise in gender equality advocacy.
Experience or potential in leadership with strong communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Deputy Chair(s) (requires substantial time commitment)

Responsibilities:

Support the Co-Chairs in their duties and responsibilities.
Assist in coordinating meetings and activities.
Collaborate with Co-Chairs and EDI Managers in planning and budgeting.
Deputise for Co-Chairs when necessary.

Attributes:

Similar to Co-Chairs.
Willingness to take on leadership responsibilities when needed.

Secretary

Responsibilities:

Oversee group activities, decisions and action items, ensuring that actions are followed-up.
Assist with communication between meetings, such as sending reminders and updates.
Support the advertising, review and tracking of relevant funding opportunities and associated budgets.

Attributes:

Strong attention to detail.
Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
Methodical and tenacious approach.

Athena Swan Lead

Responsibilities:

Maintain a watching brief on activities, progress and outcomes relating to Athena Swan awards across UCL.
In doing so, facilitate communication and collaboration with the Equality Monitoring and Advancement Group, the Central EDI Programmes and Charters Team and other Equality Steering Groups as necessary.
Support the activities of the Athena Forum and the EDI Community of Practice.

Attributes:

Enthusiasm for the objectives of the Athena Swan Charter and allied initiatives for gender equality.
Knowledge and experience of the Athena Swan Charter, its principles and application process.
Strong stakeholder engagement skills.

Communications Lead

Responsibilities:

Manage internal and external communications for the group.
Coordinate with the Office of the President and Provost (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) on communications strategies.
Develop content for communications, social media and other platforms to raise awareness of GESG initiatives.

Attributes:

Experience in communications or marketing.
Strong writing and editing skills.
Familiarity with various communication channels and tools.

Events Lead

Responsibilities:

Scope ideas for and organise relevant educational, community-building and networking events that bring together UCL staff and students.
Promote attendance for events via Teams channels, mailing lists, the EDI newsletter etc., working with the Communications Lead when helpful.
Build relationships with other universities for cross-institutional events.

Attributes:

Event planning and organisation skills.
Communication and promotion abilities.
Relationship building and networking.

Knowledge and Learning Lead

听Responsibilities:

Continuously research and identify relevant training providers, both internal and external to UCL, that offer courses and resources aligned with the needs of GESG.
Evaluate the quality and relevance of resources and ensure that they address identified gaps at 911爆料网.
Curate and share training resources.

Attributes:

Strong research and analytical skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Adaptability and continuous learning orientation.

Research Liaison Lead

Responsibilities:

Stay informed about the latest research and developments in gender equality.
Provide insights and evidence-based recommendations to support the group's initiatives, including enhancing academic rigour for GESG lobbying and awareness-raising work.
Facilitate collaborations with academic researchers and research centres at 911爆料网 and beyond.

Attributes:

Background in related fields.
Familiarity with academic research methodologies.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Policy Lead

Responsibilities:

Share relevant policies and research pertaining to gender equality within and beyond the HE sector to facilitate informed decision-making.
Liaise with pertinent 911爆料网 groups, such as the menopause steering group, to ensure alignment and collaboration on gender equality initiatives.
Assess existing UCL policies and guidance documents, identifying areas for improvement and recognising gaps in gender equality policies to drive continuous enhancement.

Attributes:

Understanding of gender equality policies and research within the higher education sector and beyond.
Skills in collaborative working.
Strong analytical skills.

Community Engagement Lead

Responsibilities:

Build relationships with stakeholders both within and outside UCL.
Organise community events, forums and/or outreach activities to engage with diverse groups.
Gather feedback and input from the UCL community on gender equality issues, including identifying and collating work undertaken at 911爆料网 that exemplify 鈥榖eaconing鈥� both now and for the future.

Attributes:

Experience in community engagement or outreach.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with diverse audiences.
Knowledge of strategies for fostering inclusive dialogue and participation.

Student Lead

Responsibilities:

Ensure that student perspectives, concerns and needs are served.
Foster meaningful engagement with students.
Actively seek input and feedback from students.

Attributes:

Empathy in advocating for student interests and concerns.
Communication skills and facilitating constructive dialogue.
Collaboration with various stakeholders.

General Members

Responsibilities:

Represent various perspectives within the UCL community.
Collaborate on specific tasks and working groups as needed.
Act as a conduit between GESG and local areas.

Attributes:

Have an interest in institutional change.
Respect diversity and inclusion principles.
Willing to advocate for gender equality within UCL.

Terms of Reference