Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Developing sustainable energy solutions is a complex task that requires imaginative thinking from people of different backgrounds.
ReNU and ReNU+ share this ethos and are fully committed to improving representation across all groups.
Some of the key steps we have taken in the ReNU programme include:
- 34% of our PhD cohort are female and 22% are from a minority background. This compares with an overall average of 30% female and 11% ethnic minority PhD students sponsored by EPSRC.
- ReNU project supervisors cover a broad spectrum of early career to professorial level academics as well as both male and female (25%).
- Compulsory training on unconscious bias delivered by Northumbria University’s NUSTEM.
- Cohort based training activities, such as group learning and team projects, as well as social and networking events.
- EDI, Teaching and Student Experience delivery groups for monitoring and improving ReNU activities. Student reps are a key part of our delivery groups.
Achieving Net Zero requires the full range of perspectives and lived experiences for an equitable and sustainable energy transition. ReNU+ welcomes and encourages applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and part-time students.
For more information please see below.
Advertising & Application process:
Gender decoding software will be used to create more inclusive and diverse role descriptions and projects will then be advertised by each institution. Instead of a project proposal, candidates are to submit answers to a set of competency based assessment/questions and their CV to the applicant portal for the university they are applying to.
Pre-application workshops:
Pre-application support workshops to help potential applicants learn more about a PhD and PGR attributes before applying and provide an informal opportunity to ask questions.
Assessment of candidates:
A competency-based assessment will be part of the selection process, where candidates will be tested on attributes commonly associated with successful PhD study, such as initiative, effective interpersonal skills, and motivation for the PhD program. This is in addition to completion of the standard PhD application form, CV and references.
Interview:
Interview panellist will have undergone unconscious bias training. Some questions and instructions will be provided to candidates in advance.
Mentoring and support:
Each student will select a mentor from a range of PhD students, early career researchers and staff who will support them throughout their entire PhD journey and beyond.
This mentoring programme will be integrated into the training programme, with dedicated sessions for both mentors and mentees, and allied to this, staff will be given support as to how to support PGR students with non-traditional backgrounds.
Dedicated Progression Tutor:
The ReNU+ Academic Progression Tutor will receive neurodiversity training to support the admission and progression doctoral candidates from non-traditional educational backgrounds.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI):
All ReNU+ supervisors and students will undertake mandatory EDI training including Unconscious Bias training.
These activities aim to build wider relationships and interactions with the community, enhancing the impact of the ReNU+ programme and promoting a sustainable energy transition.
ReNU+ training: ReNU+ extends beyond training students as Doctoral Carbon Champions (DCCs) to also support a wider range of stakeholders in contributing to Net Zero by upskilling, reskilling as well as enrolling as a DCC. The targeted stakeholders will have opportunities to either directly participate in a subset of the ReNU+ training programme or take part in a series of targeted engagements.
Taster sessions: ReNU+ aims to run a series of Taster sessions for the public to engage with the ReNU+ team and civic partners. These sessions may cover for example, help with reducing energy bills, Q&A on flexible tariffs or domestic implementation of renewable energy technologies.
Summer Schools: ReNU+ aims to deliver a series of showcase, in-person Summer Schools that are designed to be accessible to all PhD students and focus on skills to deliver EPSRC priorities.
Our host institutions Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham University are part of Athena Swan (gender equality), Stonewall (LGBTQ+ community), Race Equality Charter and Disability schemes (Disability Confident Employer- Northumbria, Durham, Business Disability Forum- Newcastle). Please click the relevant link for more details.
ReNU and ReNU+ particularly encourages applicants with disability or caring responsibilities. Please contact the relevant Institution Director to discuss your case prior to application. The following websites may also be useful:
- Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) – student financial support for learning difficulty, health problem or physical disability.
- Disability North – registered charity providing information, advice and support on any aspect of disability.
- Carers Trust – partners with its network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support.
- NHS – Social care and support guide.
