EDI Framework launched at UCC

12 Nov 2024

UCC’s first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Framework and Action Plan was launched on 12 November. 

This Framework and Action Plan aligns with UCC’s Strategic Plan and underpins our university’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). It sets out clear objectives and actions to realise EDI here at UCC over the next four years.  

This Framework seeks to address the need for culture change; increased transparency; embedding EDI in teaching, learning and research; transformation of our university systems; and a broadening of our institutional commitment to EDI to encompass more fully all equality grounds.  This Framework and Action Plan was informed by a comprehensive Values and Culture/ EDI consultation process which took place in 2022 and again in 2024. 

President John O' Halloran launched Belonging at UCC: A Strategic Framework for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 2025 - 28.  EDI has been central to university life for many years. Through our Equality Committee and Student Union Equality Committees, EDI Staff Networks and Student Societies; our teaching, learning and research we have had long-standing champions for EDI. This grassroots advocacy and engagement are key to informing our EDI work.  

Introducing the Framework itself, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Dr Avril Hutch spoke about the weight and importance of the word ‘Belonging’, and the responsibility that it brings with it.  Feeling a sense of belonging is essential to ensuring everyone can reach their potential and succeed. While we have made huge strides in this area, we acknowledge that not everyone feels a sense of belonging and we know from our recent staff and student EDI consultation that we need to do more to be fully inclusive.  

Joining the President and Dr Hutch were representatives from the staff and student body, communicating through Irish, English and Irish Sign Language. 

Clíodhna O’Callaghan, Gaeilgeoir, Dr Jatin Nagpal, Race Equality Network co-chair, Dr Diarmuid Scully, LGBT+ Staff Network co-chair, Nayonika Sen, International Postgraduate student, and Dr Noel O’Connell, Research staff and ISL speaker, spoke about what Belonging means to them.  Following this, dancers Jerit and Sakshi from Dr Lekha Margassary’s dance troupe, Aatma, gave a wonderful performance of three different genres of Indian dance. 

“Making tunnels, building bridges” refers to what we must do when we encounter a wall or an obstacle.  We are all responsible for equality, diversity, inclusion and we can only do this important work with the support, participation and engagement of the UCC community.  

And so, we invite you to commit to and take ownership of this Framework and Action Plan and help us deliver it at an individual and local level.  

This is an ambitious plan, and we look forward to bringing this Framework to life. 

To quote an old saying or seanfhocail, Leagfaidh tua bheag crann mór. (A small axe can fell a big tree.) 

See a gallery of images from the launch and read the Framework and Action Plan here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/edi-framework/