Future workforces
Our academics lead the way in rethinking diversity and inclusion in the workplace as we know this will produce better outcomes – for businesses, society and people.
As work and workforces change, we give our uniquely diverse global student community the best possible opportunities and teach them to adapt, develop and learn new skills throughout their careers.
Taking action on racism in the NHS
Recent research from Middlesex Research Fellow Roger Kline has revealed how BME, women and disabled NHS staff are facing discrimination, bias and an unequal level of opportunities when applying for various NHS roles and trying to get promoted in the health service.
The report, ‘No more Tick Boxes’, also outlined a series of nine key recommendations for lead organisations and employers to follow to create fairer recruitment and career progression for BME, women and disabled staff.
Earlier in 2021, Middlesex Nursing lecturers and health professionals produced a research paper calling for an end to dress codes that unfairly target black nurses, advocating for legislation in the UK similar to a US law that outlaws workplace discrimination against black people on the basis of hair preferences. A second paper, ‘Will nurse leaders help eradicate “hair racism” from nursing and health services?’, looked at how senior NHS managers can end discriminatory policies.
Co-leading internal change with our staff and students
We work to embed diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in everything we do as a community. That means looking inwards to understand what we need to change.
Campaigning and influencing policy
Our proactive staff Networks develop new ideas and raise awareness around different issues and experiences. They influence policy through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Middlesex University Students’ Union (MDXSU) campaign using evidence and collective action to make change around issues that matter to our students. They make students from all backgrounds feel included here.
Inclusivity in the curriculum
Our Anti-Racism Network is working across the university on an inclusive curriculum framework and toolkit. This is supported by a comprehensive staff training package to help colleagues put this knowledge into action. MDXSU lead the ‘decolonising the curriculum’ campaign to make sure students study a curriculum that celebrates diversity and is inclusive of all.
The experience of black students
MDXSU worked with our Centre for Academic Practice to research and write the Black Students’ Experience report. They were supported by the Black Students Liberation Group and African-Caribbean Society and engaged with the Black community through surveys and focus groups. Their report calls for imaginative solutions, including a programme to support more Black students into further study and targets for diversifying leadership roles within the University.