EDI Champions

• Nilufar Ahmed
  Lecturer in Social Sciences Equality is about having equitable access to services and opportunities, this means that some people may need more, or different support than others. Diversity is the valuing of every individual and recognition of the unique talents and skills they have and can contribute to a team; and Inclusion is where every person feels that they belong and are part of that team. Inclusion can only be determined by the individuals in question, and is a response to, and outcome of, the strategies for equality and diversity in place.
• Harini Ratnayake
  BDS Dentistry Student I think that equal opportunity is so key, especially when it comes to education, and I feel there needs to be more focus on helping disadvantaged and discriminated groups, with things like accessibility to resources and spaces for their voices to be heard. It means a lot to me being a person of colour in a predominantly white university, and navigating white spaces. Also, understanding my own privilege and being aware that I’m able to go to this university and live comfortably because my family is financially stable enough to do so, and that lots of people don’t have that option and there aren’t enough measures put in place to help with that.
• Deborah Ogunbamo
  BDS Dentistry Student To me, EDI is an individual journey that once we all go on, we can successfully be an equal, diverse an inclusive group. It means learning, not in the traditional way but also unlearning any biases we have towards communities different to our own. Once we change the way we think to a more open minded approach, without our clouded worldview of harmful stereotypes and media caricatures, then we can progress in the way we talk to and treat other members of society. But it’s not an overnight experience; it takes time, it takes researching and it challenges you. One should feel uncomfortable when addressing their own views but the most important thing is to confront those feelings. This is where the EDI Champion role comes in, to support people with unbiased sources, discussions and media.
• Chloe Poole
  BDS Dentistry Student & UBDSS Welfare Rep To me, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion means that everybody has equal rights, access to resources and opportunities regardless of their race, gender, age, cultural beliefs, disability or any other characteristic. I believe, for a work place to be successful it must be diverse and not marginalise/exclude any individuals or specific groups of people.
• Anjali Geraja
  BDS Dentistry Student To me, equality, diversity and inclusion means not only having equal opportunities no matter your background, but that these differences are actually a hugely beneficial thing, and these different insights and ideas can really help drive positive change and create a strong community where everyone, no matter what, is included and able to flourish and grow as they go through dental school.