ULaw is looking for new DIA’s (Diversity & Inclusion Advocates) to support, inspire and represent students from Minority Ethnic (students from backgrounds have been historically racially minoritized) across the University of Law courses and campuses.

 

"I chose to become an Advocate due to the fact that I wanted to increase my awareness of knowledge of issues faced due to race and ethnicity. Equally, I am involved in numerous diversity and inclusion initiatives as part of my role as a solicitor apprentice, and I felt that the DIA role would compliment my current work and act as a further way I can become a more informed and active member of this space. Further to this, I thought the scheme would give me the opportunity to collaborate with other students across different campuses. I have enjoyed the education pieces and research tasks as these have given me the opportunity to learn about issues that I was either unaware of, or had very little knowledge of. Discussing these in forums has been incredibly enjoyable as it has given me the chance to consolidate learning and hear differing views and perspectives on a range of topics. 

I have also really enjoyed co-chairing the REA (Race and Ethnicity Alliance) which is a student led collaboration project with external businesses, where we discuss how businesses can become more diverse and inclusive. Being able to develop countless soft skills via planning and leading these meetings has been fantastic for my personal development. Equally, working with businesses provides the opportunity to encourage tangible changes and again assists with my development as a solicitor apprentice." Fabian Murray, Manchester, Solicitor Apprenticeship

What is the DIA scheme?

A scheme to support and empower Minority Ethnic (students from backgrounds have been historically racially minoritized) students. The BAME Advocates aim to support and inspire Minority Ethnic students across all of the courses and campuses of The University of Law.

Why does it exist and what does ULaw aim to achieve through it?

The University hopes to further understand the experiences of students from different ethnic backgrounds and to improve inclusive practices. The DIA’s will also enable much better Minority Ethnic students' inclusion and representation.

Examples of past projects

MentorNET	ABSS Programme Evaluation	Head Start Initiative
Introduction of a new platform for students to buddy up with other students as career mentors. Producing blog posts. Advising students on law applications.	Commenting on a programme funded by the Office for Students on tackling differential outcomes for underrepresented students in higher education. Giving practical recommendations for improvement.	Helping ULaw develop  interconnected interventions/events to support students throughout their university journey. Helping develop a series of Progression Agreements (PAs) for each of ULaw’s  targeted groups from Access, Success and Progression.

Impacts

• Unconscious bias training for ULaw staff
• Racial Literacy training 
• Charity week quiz questions 
• DIA survey
• Mentoring scheme
• DIA name
• Regular discussions with campus deans to discuss campus specific issues and idea

Support

• Encouragement
• Safe space
• Student led
• Feedback
• Campus teams 
• Training
• Support system

Applications are open 22/09 - 12PM 5/10 and can be made here: forms.office.com/e/pvqcUmikCz . Diversity and Incluson Advocates are part of the Widening Participation Team at ULaw. Please email DIAs@law.ac.uk if you need to get in touch!