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From:                   "Siobhan O'Regan" <[log in to unmask]>

Dear Colleague
The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) has been appointed by
HEFCE
to conduct an innovative study under its Equal Opportunities
Research
Programme. The ultimate aim of the project is to explore what can
be
done to improve equality of opportunity for members of minority
groups
who may be unlikely to disclose their (minority) status or report
experiences of discrimination, bullying or harassment. IES plan to
conduct a postal survey across a number of universities later in the
year to assess the extent and nature of hidden inequalities and to
improve understanding of the causes of non-disclosure of personal
information. But first they wish to gain an insight into the issues
faced by:

Staff with learning disabilities
Staff with mental illness or a history of mental illness
Gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender staff
Staff with moderate or strong religious affiliations
Staff with caring responsibilities (eg child or elder care)
Older workers

Would you be interested in taking part in a group discussion with
other members of your network and with one of the researchers?
What
the group discussion might cover How do you feel about disclosing your
personal information to the university for monitoring purposes? Have
you experienced discrimination at work? What was involved? Are there
things about the way work is organised that makes it difficult for you
(due to your personal circumstances) to do your job as well as you
could? Do the equal opportunities or diversity policies at your
institution benefit you? Are they relevant to you?

How to take part
The discussion will take place in late February or March. It will last
approximately one hour. If you are interested in taking part, please
telephone Siobhán O'Regan at 01273 873116 or  e-mail her on
[log in to unmask] and let her know Your name How
and when we can contact you Where you heard about the study (eg SpLD
or DisForum network) How far you are willing to travel to take part in
the group discussion

IES will then try to arrange a focus group(s) in a location which is
convenient to as many people as possible and contact you with details.
Siobhán and her team thank you for your interest in the project.

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Specialist Academic Support Tutor and HEEON Administrator
University College Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ
Tel: (01905 85) 5267
Fax: 01905 855550