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EDI Caucus

@edicaucus.bsky.social
985 followers 406 following 867 posts

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Caucus. Multidisciplinary project, funded by UKRI and British Academy, to create inclusive careers across the research and innovation systems in the UK. edicaucus.ac.uk

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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Here in Edinburgh, there’s a famous local called Maggie Dickson (Half-Hangit Maggie) who survived hanging in 1724 for hiding her pregnancy. They decided the sentence had been carried out and she lived to a ripe old age. As she’d legally died she had to remarry her husband.
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Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · 01/10/2026
Every October, Black History Month marks an opportunity to celebrate, reflect and learn. As we enter #BlackHistoryMonth, Chair of the RCN Anti-Racism Sub-Group Mehvish Shaffi-Ajibola reflects on why recognition and action are both vital for lasting change. Read more ⬇️
bit.ly
Black History Month 2026: Honouring our communities and building an anti-racist future | Royal College of Nursing
Chair of the RCN Anti-Racism Sub-Group Mehvish Shaffi-Ajibola reflects on the importance of Black History month and why recognising the tremendous contribution of Black nursing must go hand in hand wi...
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
And we shine a spotlight on how to support people who stammer or stutter in learning spaces and the workplace. stamma.org/get-help/emp... Since hitting publish, I've been shared this insightful blog from someone in the research community who stammers: socialscienceresearchfunding.co.uk?p=640
stamma.org
Supporting Employees Who Stammer (Stutter)
A guide for employers on accommodating people who stammer in the workplace.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
An EDICa Flexible Fund project report has been published on women academics with mental health conditions. "Long-term shifts towards workforce casualisation, work intensification, and the repositioning of students as customers have taken a toll..." edicaucus.ac.uk/wp-content/u...
Illustration of a woman sinking into water under a cloud. Hovering over head are books, baby bottle, laptop, mobile phone, and a blister pill pack. The text says We carried out research on the experiences of women academics with mental health conditions.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Our latest illustrated lived experience, depicting Carmen working on a research vessel for six weeks while struggling with seasickness and menstrual health problems. For alt text and view the comics edicaucus.ac.uk/carmen
Page one of the cartoon showing Carmen on a research vessel feeling sick, dealing with menstruation in her shared toilet off of her cabin. Full alt text can be found on the webpage.Page two of the comic showing Carmen still struggling with seasickness as she navigates the steep staircases and the physical demands of collecting seawater samples and working in a lab. Full alt text can be found on the webpage.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
EDICa conducted a study with a cohort of volunteers from across the UK's research & innovation sector taking 8 EDI training modules over 2 years and reflecting on them. The findings and recommendations can be found in our good practice guide. edicaucus.ac.uk/effective-ed...
A diagram titled Cornerstones of effective EDI Training. An upside down cone of five rings each has a title and an explanation. Starting from the top. Aligning EDI training to organisational values - is EDI training for compliance or to change minds and behaviours?  Link training to practice. How can training for specific roles be informed by EDI principles?  Build diverse learning communities. How can EDI training be meaningful for all?  Create safe spaces for learning. What training has most impact?  Managing the resource ask. What are the costs of effective EDI training?
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
EDICa's postdoc Dr Chiara Cocco did an hour-long podcast with Diverse Matters. While the EDI consultancy had covered the topic of menopause, they had never touched on menstruation. A common issue in how organisations deal with menstrual health. www.diversematters.co.uk/news-blog
diversematters.co.uk
Diverse Matters - News & blog
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
EDICa with the Autonomy Institute published survey findings and analysis of more than 1200 women working in the UK. "80% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 73% of 25 to 34-year-olds reporting being affected by menstrual symptoms at work." autonomy.work/portfolio/me...
Cover of report titled Menstruation and Perimenopause at Work. August 2026. Autonomy Institute. Image is a very dark, moody shaded one of two big arms chairs behind the floor to ceiling glass of an office floor.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
EDICa's latest newsletter is out. The sway version: go.hw.ac.uk/EDICa/Newsle... and the PDF: go.hw.ac.uk/EDICa/Newsle.... In this edition we explain how a glossary of British Sign Language signs is developed by experts in the BSL community. Also...
A background of newsprint on which is the EDICa logo and the title of Newsletter. A sketch of a child in patched clothing and cap with a bundle of newspapers under one arm and holding aloft a newspaper in the other, calling out the headlines.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Oh you're hiding a light under a bushel here. There's two great quotes in that blog that deserve more attention! Why put a prison in Dartmoor? The cruelty of subjecting the Frenchman to the climate. But also hoping he'd never invade again thinking all England has such a climate! *chef's kiss*
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Advance HE @advancehe.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Submit your proposal for the EDI Conference 2027, taking place on 14-15 April 2027. We're seeking contributions that explore what works, what doesn't and what's next for inclusion in higher education. Read the guidance and submit your proposal: advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-e...
Equality, Diversity and Inclusions Conference 2027
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Caroline Ball @heroicendeavour.eurosky.social · 13/09/2026
Three of my favourite descriptions of what it’s like inside an ADHD brain, from the comments on a HuffPost article about ADHD. Personally I tend to say it’s like a pinball machine with about 17 balls, at least one broken flipper, and a sticky spring launcher. But I do like the squirrels…
Facebook comment from user Meryl Oliver: “It's like every word in every thought is a clickable link that takes me in another direction.”Facebook comment from user Sonia Ponzo: “Someone I know described it as an airport: there are 20 shops open, each with their own music; there's constant chatter, noises and announcements; flights are often delayed and there's the occasional crash.”Facebook comment from user Stephen Barnes: “I describe mine as an army of 30 highly caffeinated squirrels in my head, most are privates but some have specific functions. One of them is Welfare Squirrel, whom I'll come back to.

The problem with my ADHD brain is that I don't have a Sergeant-Major to keep the men in check, so they all run around doing their own thing and because they're doped up on caffeine, they're shouting and being really excited. When one finds something of interest he'll shout about it and try to be heard over all the others also shouting about things they've found.

My problem is that Welfare Squirrel, who looks after my body functions, is very meek and mild. He can't shout unless its an absolute emergency. That's why one minute I don't need the loo at all, then 2 minutes later l've got a double emergency to deal with urgently, or why I suddenly feel really hungry when I realised I haven't eaten for 2 days.”
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
“from the start of the 2027/2028 academic year” Who would dare continue to ban girls wearing trousers before the next academic year?
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
"Black/ethnic minority researchers're less likely to receive £ & statistically tend to receive smaller £ than white researchers,” Oliver cont. “Longer, larger awards tend to go to older white men; prioritising such risks funnelling more towards that demographic, exacerbating existing inequalities”.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Well worth the long read. Touches on Demand Management, raises alternative ideas like Contributed Peer Review (each applying institute must put forward x number reviewers). But it's like a balloon. Squeeze in one place and workload shifts elsewhere in the system. 'Invest in your Research Offices.'
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
static.klipy.com
The King And I - Etc. Etc. Etc.
Alt: GIF from King and I (older version) with the King saying et cetera, et cetera, et cetera in his important way.
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Prof Rachel Oliver @profrachelgan.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The changes to the funding system being suggested by the new Science Minister here sound very much like a plan to funnel more funding to male, stale and pale researchers with less oversight and scrutiny. Very worrying.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Hello to the White Rose Consortium! (Leeds, York, Sheffield) Hello to the GW4 Alliance (Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter) Hello to ... the many Centres of Doctoral Training and the Doctoral Training Partnerships covering multiple universities, third-sector orgs and industry partners.... etc. 🤔
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Study led by @jeminanapier.bsky.social and @abigailgorman.bsky.social. Read more about our initial research on BSL users and menstrual health here. edicaucus.ac.uk/menstrual-he... #MenstrualHealth #DeafSky #DeafCulture
edicaucus.ac.uk
Menstrual health- perceptions of deaf women using BSL - EDICa
Date: 27th August 2026 - EDICa's report on how deaf women who use BSL and work in UK universities face systemic barriers when accessing information on menstrual health.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Submission of video's taken as consent for suggestion to be included in the draft data set. No videos shared via social media will be included in final glossary. Your video/face won't appear in glossary. All suggested signs considered by experts. Final signs will be re-filmed by pro deaf translators
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Our understanding of menstrual health has changed over the years. Conversations about menstrual health are becoming more common but it is generally a taboo topic. Lack of BSL vocab creates barriers to accessing info and support. Upload a video here and tag us or email edicaucus@hw.ac.uk by 14 Sep.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
We invite you to share examples of BSL signs to be included in this glossary. E.g., how do you sign the following terms? - Period - Menstruation - Menstrual cycle - Perimenopause - Menopause - Endometriosis - Fibroids What other BSL signs can you think of that are about menstrual health? 2/4
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Hey #BSL users! We're looking for suggestions for a BSL glossary of menstrual health terms. It's a vital aspect of wellbeing, but can have a range of terms and euphemisms. "time of the month", "period", "menstruation", "the change".... Share with us BSL signs you use. 1/4 youtu.be/Bb02OS_8e7k?...
youtu.be
Social media call for suggested BSL signs for menstrual health terms
YouTube video by Jemina Napier
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The report is organised into 5 themes (see image). It's useful for EDI teams, managers, and practitioners in personnel training and development. If this isn't you, feel free to send the link to the appropriate person/department in your organisation as a *hint, hint*. #EDI #DEI #HumanResources
Cornerstones of effective EDI Training. Five levels each with an oval and an accompanying rectangle explanation. From top to bottom: Aligning EDI training to organisational values. Is EDI training compliance or to change minds and behaviours?  Link training to practice. How can training for specific roles be informed by EDI principles?  Build diverse learning communities. How can EDI training be meaningful for all? Create safe spaces for learning. What training has most impact?  Managing the resource ask. What are the costs of effective EDI training?
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
New EDICa report out! Good Practice Guide on Effective EDI Training. Not all training on EDI is effective at creating the change we need. We took a cohort and put them through 8 sessions over 2 years and collected feedback and reflections. 1/2 edicaucus.ac.uk/effective-ed...
edicaucus.ac.uk
Effective EDI Training: Good Practice Report - EDICa
Date: 30th August 2026 - EDICa's findings from its study on taking a cohort through 8 training courses in 2 years and obtaining reflections from participants.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Some investigative reporting on limitations of some disabled people with personal carer support on being able to travel abroad. Even if it's for work and all additional expenses are paid for. Another barrier for disabled people working.
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
'The report also spotlights the increasing dependence on fee-paying international students to cross-subsidise the tuition of Scottish undergraduates.' 'Universities Scotland said the analysis made clear that the current position was not sustainable.' 1/3
bbc.co.uk
Scotland's universities face 'bleak' future as £200m funding gap revealed
A new report paints a 'bleak' picture of falling income from Scottish students and an over-reliance on international tuition fees.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
This article also seen today is relevant to your arguments. It shows inequality between the subsidy - even if indirect - given to English students over those in the other three nations. Comments to the article are thoughtful and nuanced. wonkhe.com/blogs/the-tr...
wonkhe.com
The Treasury is bankrupting three nations' universities
With funding reviews underway in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Justine Pedussel and Jim Dickinson worry none will examine the hidden accounting rules driving the crisis
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
What's next? We're going to develop a glossary! We gather together qualified deaf interpreters, translators and hearing interpreters to discuss and agree what the BSL terms should be for words like endometriosis, heavy bleeding, cramps and other terms suggested by the community. Stay tuned! 3/3
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The BSL translation of the executive summary of the report can be found here on YouTube. youtu.be/LxwOlJ_fmMI?... To read more and to download the report, go to our website: edicaucus.ac.uk/menstrual-he... Research by @jeminanapier.bsky.social, @abigailgorman.bsky.social @katesang.bsky.social
youtu.be
Accessing information and talking about menstrual health: Perceptions of deaf women who use BSL
YouTube video by EDI Caucus
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
EDICa has published a new report! We interviewed and held focus groups with deaf women in UK universities about menstrual health, to learn what were the particular challenges they faced. Here are some highlights from this report. Next post has summary in #BSL and link to report. 1/3
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Great to see one of our Flexible Fund projects continuing to get traction. If you're in the archiving world, check it out.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
From the USA context
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Prof Arday had been a co-investigator in EDICa, though when he moved to Cambridge and hit the limelight his time with us was limited. We are very very saddened to hear of his too-early death and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
"These considerations also dampen my excitement about my research." "...these concerns rarely come up in everyday conversations. I wish they were discussed more openly so colleagues and institutional leadership better understood the pressures we are under." #DEI #EDI #Researchers #Funding
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
"U.K. visas are exceptionally expensive compared with many other countries." "For early-career researchers who must also contend with the uncertainty of short-term contracts, this burden can be overwhelming."
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
"Every couple years, my family faces another cycle of visa renewals and the huge associated costs. Over the past 6 years we have spent an eye-watering amount just to continue to live and work in the country, and we are now trying to save nearly £13,000 for the next stage of renewal in 6 months."
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Visa stress clouds my life as a scientist and parent | Science | A powerful article from a postdoc with family, here in the UK on a visa. Couple quotes in the 🧵 www.science.org/content/arti...
science.org
Visa stress clouds my life as a scientist and parent
Astronomical visa costs can be overwhelming for early-career researchers on short-term contracts, this postdoc writes
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
We've just published a new comic strip depicting the challenges of normal menstruation in challenging environments out in the field. edicaucus.ac.uk/claires-story/ As always, we share a number of other resources, articles and reports relating to #EDI in #research and #innovation. #AcademicSky 4/4
Screenshot of some of the comic strip. Full alt text can be found in the link.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
We've published our guidance for organisations complying with Employment Rights Act regarding menstrual health action plans. Free to download but we ask for contact details to follow up on impact. edicaucus.ac.uk/menstrual-he... #HumanResources #Menopause #MenstrualHealth 3/4
Screenshot of website resource listing showing two. Menstrual health action plan guidance. Image shows birds eye view of a table and people workshopping ideas with post-it notes. Menstrual health baseline survey guide. Image shows white woman on ridge top looking at the view through binoculars.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
EDICa's Good Practice Guide on the Research Funding Process. Our second report on EDI Training is due to be published mid-August when some colleagues return from leave. edicaucus.ac.uk/good-practic... #ResearchFunding #DEI 2/4
EDICa logo. Good practice guide on the research funding process. A living document highlighting barriers to equitable funding outcomes and various approaches of good practices to overcome these.  Screenshot of the four stages of the process superimposed on four stylised puzzle pieces interconnecting. Stage 1, reach and support a diverse range of applicants. 2, build the peer review process. 3, conduct inclusive peer review. 4, provide feedback. Each has 2 to 5 practices, totalling 16.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
EDICa's latest bimonthly newsletter is out. PDF here: go.hw.ac.uk/EDICa/Newsle... Sway version here: go.hw.ac.uk/EDICa/Newsle... In this edition we say goodbye to the five postdocs who have worked on EDICa. Project manager and yours truly comms person have contracts to Christmas. Also announcing:🧵
EDICa logo. Latest news headline. Read our latest newsletter - link and URL. Stick figure drawing sits on a chair reading a paper.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Yes. There are researchers looking into this. Dr Encarna Micó-Amigo who works on sensors at Herriot- Watt, our host institution, has talked about this. Don’t recall details unfortunately.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Also, as we’ve interviewed a number of women who do work in the field, including Ellie Honan in our seminar who collected snow petrel poop in the arctic, who described the limitations of the cup/disc due to needing clean hands.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Yes, that is one of the advantages of the disc/cup, but many don’t or can’t wear them, including severa in the EDICa team. We’ve also seen in our own data an ick factor over menstrual blood more than normal blood which prevents take up of menstrual cup/disc.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
EDICa advisory board member Jackie Maybin at U of Edinburgh is one of several researchers featured in this article on the lack of and dire need for more research on menstrual health. www.bbc.com/future/artic...
bbc.com
'It's not just an inconvenience': We've underestimated the health impacts of heavy periods
As women have fewer children and more periods, heavy menstrual bleeding is becoming more of a health burden.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
This is a senior academic from the LGBTQ+ community who tries to provide a safe space for others around her, but finds it weighing her down. youtu.be/13hLTD9WNsQ?...
youtu.be
Vignette 3: LGBTQ+ Senior Academic - Toolkit Activity
YouTube video by Is All Publicity Good Publicity?
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