eNews 27 July

EDI strategy, Further Together, online payslips, communications focus groups, Leeds Teaching Awards, Campus Live, events and more.

Leeds Teaching Awards

Strategy 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy launched 

Last week, we launched our new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, an inseparable component of our 2020–30 strategy. Read an Inside Track feature from our EDI Deans as they explain how we must work together to embrace institutional cultural change. 

Thought pieces 

Inside Track | Faculty of Biological Sciences going Further Together 

In this Inside Track feature, Professor Karen Birch, Executive Dean in the Faculty of Biological Sciences, pays tribute to all our technicians and facility staff in helping drive our research Further Together 

Pay 

Online payslips unavailable 

Due to a technical issue, payslips are currently unavailable on Employee Self Service. This does not affect payments, and you will be paid on Friday 29 July as normal. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. 

Digital developments 

Sign up | IT open meeting with executive team 

Join the IT Executive Leadership Team for a short update on IT programmes, followed by a Q&A session, from 10.05-11.30am on Thursday 28 July. Please submit your questions ahead of time so we can cover as many topics as possible. 

Update | University remote access 

To protect University systems and data, we need to make sure all our methods for accessing them remotely are secure. You should only use the University’s approved methods – Virtual Windows Desktop, cluster remote access, the Remote Desktop Gateway, SSH and the VPN. Access via non-approved routes, such as TeamViewer or Anydesk, will be removed on Wednesday 3 August, unless you have an exemption from the Security Operations team 

Feedback 

Sign up | Communications focus groups  

What do you think about how the University communicates with you? We’re holding online focus groups to explore how we share information with colleagues, with spaces available on Thursday 28 July (2-3pm), Tuesday 2 August (1-2pm) and more dates in September. Sessions are run by an independent agency, so you can have your say in a constructive but frank fashion. Register your interest online or contact the Internal Communications and Engagement team 

Celebrate 

University of Leeds Teaching Awards 2022 winners  

Congratulations to the winners of the University of Leeds Teaching Awards 2022, which celebrate excellent practice in student education, together with the work and innovation of colleagues, to deliver high-quality teaching and learning. Judges were overwhelmed by the high quality of applications this year, and by the significant impact demonstrated in enhancing student education and providing transformative learning experiences. 

Campus Live | Share your talents! 

Would you like to showcase your talents on campus this autumn? We’re looking for staff, students and external organisations to help develop an exciting programme of events for Campus Live, shining a light on our University community. Activities could range from flash mobs to yarn bombing – all creative ideas are welcome! Reasonable expenses can be claimed for staging an event or installation, with small grants available for students, societies and recent graduates. Contact the Campus Live team for further information. 

Celebrating world-changing collaboration 

Discover how open and collaborative research tackling real-world problems have been officially recognised through our new Research Culture and Engaged for Impact Awards scheme. This week, we’re focusing on the winners of the ‘Open research and impact’ and ‘Widening perspectives’ accolades.  

Award winners honoured for supporting students  

Read the latest in our series of articles profiling the winners of this year’s Leeds Partnership Awards. The feature highlights the achievements of Dr Danilo Mascia and Emily Rathbone, who won this year’s Academic Personal Tutor/Supervisor and Student Academic Rep of the Year accolades respectively. 

Read | A tale of jelly benches and bouncing boots 

Find out how a cross-university team created a STEM-focused story to engage children across Leeds in the work of the Bragg Centre for Materials Research. Part of our new Further Together campaign, this is one of many excellent examples of impactful collaboration we’re celebrating from across our research community. 

Award | Fairtrade status 

Our Fairtrade University Award (two stars) accreditation has been renewed. The award recognises a broad range of activities undertaken at Leeds that work towards a more just, equitable and sustainable world for all. This includes working to raise awareness with our staff and students of the issues of ethical and sustainable consumption, and increasing the availability of Fairtrade products in our outlets. 

Students 

For Students website changes 

The For Students website is changing its look. From Wednesday 3 August, the fonts and colour palette will change to match those on the main University website. All content and URLs will remain the same. This is the first step to make the website more accessible and provide a better user experience for students. Please contact studentcommunications@leeds.ac.uk for further information. 

Research 

Apply | UK Research and Innovation Impact Acceleration Account 

As part of the UK Research and Innovation Impact Acceleration Account (UKRI IAA), the University has been awarded funding of £4m for the period from April 2022 to March 2025. University researchers can now apply for IAA funding, which supports early-stage translation of UK research to real impacts, transforms public services, forges new partnerships and more. The current call deadline is Wednesday 7 September. Visit the dedicated IAA Funding webpage for further information. 

Campus life 

Vernon Road closure 

Vernon Road will be closed to vehicles from Monday 1 to Friday 26 August while repair works take place. Vehicles can access the multi-storey car park via Willow Terrace, or via a diversion in place through the Physics Deck. 

Wellbeing and support 

Apply | Chronic Pain and Fatigue Network co-chairs 

The Chronic Pain and Fatigue Network is currently seeking new co-chairs. Please email current chair, Lucy Prodgers, for further information, or apply directly by explaining what you would bring to the role. Closing date is Friday 16 September. 

Guidance | Chronic Pain and Fatigue 

In collaboration with the Equality and Inclusion Unit, the Chronic Pain & Fatigue Network has developed new guidance to raise awareness of chronic pain and fatigue conditions, including the type and nature of symptoms. The guidance features a section for managers with advice about how best to support employees with such conditions, in addition to information for those experiencing chronic pain and fatigue. 

Events 

Register | Determining key colours in design 

Sign up for the latest event in the Life of Colour Seminar Series, being run by the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour from 2-3pm tomorrow (Thursday 28 July). In the online event, Arjan Gijsenij, from AkzoNobel, will focus on automatically extracting key colours from a design perspective from digital images, such as mood boards. 

Event submissions | Leeds Digital Festival 2022  

Event submissions for Leeds Digital Festival (LDF) 2022 are now open until midnight Wednesday 3 August. We’ve renewed our sponsorship of the tech showcase, which aligns with our vision to solve global challenges through digital means, as set out in our Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030. LDF is looking to host innovative events online and in-person from Monday 19 to Friday 30 September, to help showcase the city’s dynamic digital sector. Download the Event Organiser’s Guide for support with your submission and handy tips.   

Book | Gryphons Go Kids Camps   

Summer holidays approaching and not sure how to entertain the kids? Book them onto Sport & Physical Activity’s Gryphons Go Kids Camp for either single or multiple days. Children can swim, climb and explore the outdoors, as well as develop their physical skills and make use of our superb educational facilities. Camps will be hosted at The Edge from Monday 1 to Friday 26 August. 

Register | Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) events 

Attend events being held in September and October to find out more about the CMDA and meet the teaching and support teams. The CMDA explores the functional, operational and strategic aspects of management. Fees are paid by the University and the deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 25 November. There are limited places available on the programme, so early application is recommended to avoid disappointment. 

Book | Research Culture Café 

Book your place at the next Research Culture Café on Thursday 4 August. The virtual event will focus on responsible research, open research and impact. The online café-style conversations aim to promote a positive and inclusive research culture. 

In case you missed it 

VC Blog | Three steps to equity in higher education 

Blog | How to embrace digitally-enhanced learning 

New Information Governance training 

IMC 2023 | Call for Papers 

Sign up | Research Impact Coaching 

Apply | Aurora leadership development programme 

Register | Part-time Business Management and Leadership degree 

Book | Minerva Ultra Course View training 

Submit a request 

You can submit a request for an eNews entry via email. Please contact us in advance of the deadline (the Friday preceding the relevant Wednesday circulation date) so we can advise you on our editorial and content guidelines. 

Other than in exceptional circumstances, eNews entries should be no more than 60-70 words long, as these are designed to be bite-sized chunks of news linking to other trusted sources (such as University websites) for full details. 

Keeping up to date 

This eNews is brought to you by the Communications and Engagement team. You can: