{"id":618,"date":"2018-10-08T07:00:38","date_gmt":"2018-10-08T06:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ncl.ac.uk\/fmsdiversity\/?p=618"},"modified":"2018-10-08T09:19:59","modified_gmt":"2018-10-08T08:19:59","slug":"meet-vijaya-kotur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ncl.ac.uk\/fmsdiversity\/2018\/10\/08\/meet-vijaya-kotur\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Vijaya Kotur, our Race Equality Advisor"},"content":{"rendered":"

October is Black History Month<\/a> in the UK, and like many other institutions, the University is hosting a number of events to recognise the history, experiences and accomplishments of people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and to promote race equality more broadly. In this post, we talk to Vijaya Kotur<\/a>, our University Race Equality Advisor, about her work and what staff and students can get involved with this month.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Can you tell us a little bit about your role?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

My key responsibility is to work with everyone from across the University to support the organisation\u2019s commitment to race equality. That means that I work with Professional Services and Academic staff, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students. Based on the data and evidence available I\u2019ll be ensuring that race equality is implemented in the University\u2019s culture, policies and operations by measuring equality impact of race alongside other protected characteristics<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Our University has reached a lot through promoting and achieving various Athena SWAN<\/a> awards. However, there are still inequities in areas, where people from diverse backgrounds have not reached their full potential or benefited equitably from the opportunities our University provides. Hence, my role will involve working with you all to raise awareness, challenging relevant issues and promoting the need to move away from the deficit model of race equality that has been around for generations.<\/p>\n

What might an average day look like for you?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Each day is different and that\u2019s what makes my job so interesting. I have to read a lot to keep myself abreast of any relevant changes in legislation and whatever is new out there. As the only person in this role, I get to meet interesting people from all over the University. I enjoy meeting with students as their enthusiasm is contagious and gives me more inspiration to work on race and equality matters.<\/p>\n

An average day is: having a few meetings; acting on actions from meetings attended; writing up certain process or guidance that needs to be addressed; and researching new ideas that can be used to raise awareness on race equality within our University. But on some days, I might be running around like a headless chicken whilst responding to the demands of my day-to-day responsibilities!<\/p>\n

What events have been organised around the University for Black History Month, and is there one that you are particularly looking forward to?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Black History Month\u2019 means different things to everyone and pride for this month is expressed in a variety of different ways. For many, \u2018Black History Month\u2019 is a way of reflecting on the diverse histories of those from African and Caribbean descent, taking note of the achievements and contributions to the social, political, economic and cultural development of the UK. There are many events planned in and around the University by and for both staff and students, including:<\/p>\n