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BAME and Allies Network

The BAME and Allies Staff Network is made up of a number of staff who wish to improve the working experience of BAME staff at the University, creating a positive environment where everybody regardless of their background can flourish and feel like they belong.

The group will support delivery of BAME related Diversity & Inclusion aims set out in the People strategy. The group will be responsible for delivering activities to raise awareness of the diverse community at the University and supporting all staff to better understand how they can be allies to BAME colleagues.

  Hidden figures and histories collage of contributorsA collaboration project between the BAME Network and the Student Union at St Mary's University to celebrate Black History Month.

It celebrates and recognises some of our Black staff and alumni, but particularly the hidden lives of the simple but extra-ordinary men and women who have shaped their backstories, and contributed to the wonderful tapestry and history of the UK.

The video will take you on a journey of a handful of amazing men and women where you will hear snippets of 'real histories of real inspiring' people told by those closest to them.

View the campaign

Wednesday 7th October, 3.30-4.30pm

Join the BAME & Allies network for an informal catch up. To celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month the network will talk about traditional clothes - and if you have some traditional clothes to show off you are encouraged to wear them!

Thursday 15th October, 2-3pm
A virtual table talk made of St Mary’s staff, students and externals guests will meet to explore and discuss two issues relating to and impacting the black experience of mental health. Join us in an open and inclusive space where we seek to learn and understand by sharing our experiences, thoughts and knowledge.

BLMTalbleTalkWebinar15thOct.docx

Wednesday 14th October, look out for it in the Staff Newsletter!

For October, the Your Stories Podcast will focus on cultural diversity. This week we will catch up with Sheela Patel, Faculty Business Manager for SAHPS.

Listen to the podcast.

Friday 16th October, 1-2pm

20 minute presentation delivered by journalist Juliet Spare, a current MA Human Trafficking student, and co-hosted by Carole Murphy. Followed by a Q&A.

Thursday 22nd October, 1.30-2.30pm

Every October we celebrate Black History Month. Why? What does it really mean and represent? Do we still need it today, given the multi-cultural society we live in?  A virtual table talk made up of St Mary’s staff, students and external guests will meet to explore and discuss the relevance (or not) of black history month to them. Join us in an open and inclusive space where we seek to learn and understand by sharing our experiences, thoughts and knowledge.

View webinar details

Wednesday 21st October, 3.30-4.30pm

Join the BAME & Allies network for an informal catch up. To celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month the network will talk about poetry from different cultures.

Wednesday 28th October, look out for it in the Staff Newsletter!

For October, the Your Stories Podcast will focus on cultural diversity. This week we will catch up with Femi Yusoof, Employer Engagement Lead in Employability.

30th October, 2.30-4pm

A series of short films by students followed by a panel discussion. A mixed panel of students and staff sharing experiences of Black student life past and present with thoughts of what's next. Organised by the BAME Student Network.

Please contact one of the following if you would like to join the network:

CIPD Podcast on Challenging Systemic Racism

 

The global Black Lives Matter movement has shone a stark spotlight on the need for society and organisations to stop,  reflect and acknowledge where they need to start making changes. While laws and changing social norms have helped to make overt and blatant racism unacceptable, a shake-up in working practice and systemic culture is required. And that will only happen if we all take ownership of the issue.