TheirStories uses personal storytelling as a vehicle for building workplace inclusion, improving employee engagement, challenging bias, countering stereotypes, and developing a culture of belonging.
Everyone has a story – the experiences that have shaped us – the challenges we have faced and overcome – our successes and our mistakes. We can all learn something from each other’s story - that is the simple premise for TheirStories.
Created and facilitated by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team, TheirStories provides a platform for colleagues across the University to share their personal stories. This is a powerful way to engage colleagues in appreciating the value of difference and also amplifying the things we have in common, creating empathy to bring to life our vision of a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves.
TheirStories Library
Access videos and written stories from previous TheirStories speakers.
Programme of events 2023/24
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TheirStories with Professor Tansy Jessop
Professor Tansy Jessop is the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Students. Tansy leads the 'Transforming the Experience of Students through Assessment' (TESTA) research and change project, now used across the world. She was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2016 for her work on TESTA, and her creative approach to teaching in higher education. This event took place on 30th January, access the recording of this event on the TheirStories library.
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TheirStories with Dr. Lata Nautiyal – ‘From Hometown to Cyber Crown'
Our next TheirStories event welcomes Research Associate, Dr Lata Nautiyal, Bristol Cyber Security Group. Lata will share the compelling narrative of her upbringing, struggles, and her drive to pursue excellence. Her story is a story of resilience, hard work, and determination that led her from the quaint streets of a small town in India to becoming 'Cyber security role model of ethnic minority' acknowledged by the UK Cyber Security Council for her outstanding contributions to the field. This event took place on 5th March, access to the recording is now available.
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TheirStories with Professor Rich Pancost: ‘Lost in the Woods’
Join Professor Rich Pancost, former Director of the Cabot Institute and Head of the School of Earth Sciences, who will talk about navigating academia as a working class and first generation academic fascinated by nature while horrified by environmental injustice. He'll share some lessons picked up along the way, including those learned from life on a farm, during struggles with feeling out of place, and from amazing colleagues across the diverse but complicated city of Bristol. This event took place on the 10th April, access to the recording is now available.
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TheirStories with Mictroy Mitchell: ‘Ten years on...’
For our next TheirStories event, we welcome Mictroy Mitchell, leading technician in the Engineering Faculty Office. Mictroy will share the story of his upbringing in Jamaica before moving to the UK and his career journey to date. This year marks ten years since starting at the University of Bristol on an apprenticeship! This event will take place on the 14th May, 1 pm – 2 pm. Sign up via Develop.
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