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A series of research talks on Women’s Health, followed by Q&A.

Tuesday 8th September: 13:00 to 14:30

Slingo Lecture Theatre (LG01) in JJT

Speakers:

Anna Boniface

Menstrual health after critical illness; an overlooked outcome?

Rebecca Matthews

Gold Standard Birth: Unmet birth expectations and the case for change.

Susanne Cromme

From gaslighting to gendered healthcare: women's accounts of hysteroscopy.

Xena Hasific

From bench to bedside: Cannabidiol as a new cellular approach to endometriosis.

Organised by Dr Amelia Hollywood.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact A.Hollywood@reading.ac.uk

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February is LGBT+ History Month, and the university is marking it with a series of events. These include this year’s flagship Wolfenden Lecture by Reading History of Art alumnus Martin Kaufman, a key figure in Reading’s LGBT+ liberation movement and prominent student activist in the 1970s.

Other events include:

An online English Conversation Café on LGBTQ+ community and Pride.

This is who I am: powerful real-life testimonies from LGBTQ+ refugees, performed by Actors for Human Rights.

Film screening: LGBTQ+ History Month film night hosted by RSU’s FilmSoc.

Treat Tuesdays: Free craft sessions.

Further details for all the above, and the full calendar of events can be found at:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/lgbtq-plus-history-month/

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Wolfenden Lecture 2026-Events tile-480 x 270

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Staff and Postgraduate student from SAPD have been invited to a Neurodiversity Awareness Workshop that will be led by Rosie Elvin from ADHD Focus: https://www.adhdfocus.co.uk/

The session will run in hybrid mode between 10:30 am and 12 noon on Friday, 23rd January, so you can join online or attend in person in the Sorby Room, Wager Building.

The workshop will cover understanding neurodivergence and how to support neurodiverse individuals in the workplace, as well as practical actions for building inclusive cultures.

If you have any questions about this event or accessibility requirements, please contact Tom Sizmur (t.sizmur@reading.ac.uk)

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Following positive feedback about last year's Mind Mental Health Training workshops, there are two more in-person sessions on 22nd and 26th January, in partnership with Oxfordshire Mind.

Both are open to all staff and will cover topics on 'Understanding Mental Health' and 'Tools for Managers and Employees'.

Workshops will run 9:30 am - 2:00 pm, and lunch will be provided.

For any questions or to sign up, please contact Millie: (a.s.hood@reading.ac.uk).

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University flagship event: Purple Sock Day

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University flagship event: Purple Sock Day

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Purple Sock Day is a national campaign that highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of people with disabilities, while encouraging conversations around accessibility, understanding and equality.

To mark the occasion, Whiteknights House will be illuminated in purple as a symbol of solidarity and support for the disabled community.

You can also visit our stall in the Library foyer or at the Institute of Education to make a verbal pledge and receive a pair of purple socks – a visible reminder of your commitment to promoting disability awareness and inclusion.

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Join us in celebrating Disability History Month 'In Our Words'.

Listen to inspiring lived experience talks, take part in online cafes and workshops, and get involved at our awareness sessions. There's a variety of opportunities to learn, connect and share in stories that matter. There might even be a few free giveaways ... so watch this space! We can't wait to celebrate our diverse disabled community, with shared purpose and pride.

University flagship event: Disability-Focused Film Screening - Imagine

25 November, 17:00 to 20:00 | Minghella building, Whiteknights campus

Set in a Lisbon institute for the blind, Imagine follows Ian, a charismatic teacher who helps his visually impaired students navigate the world through sound, intuition and imagination rather than traditional aids. His unconventional methods challenge routine and inspire his students, particularly Eva, to rediscover confidence and independence.

With many of the young actors themselves blind or visually impaired, the film offers remarkable authenticity and emotional depth. Through its poetic cinematography, Imagine invites reflection on how education can nurture curiosity, trust and self-belief in young people with disabilities.

The screening will be introduced by Ugo Marsili, Associate Professor in the Department of Languages and Cultures, and Lead for Inclusion, Development and Innovation. Drawing on his expertise in accessible education, Ugo will also lead a post-screening Q&A.

University flagship event: Purple Sock Day

3 December, 11:00 to 14:00 | Library foyer (Whiteknights campus) and Institute of Education (London Road campus)

Purple Sock Day is a national campaign that highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of people with disabilities, while encouraging conversations around accessibility, understanding and equality.

To mark the occasion, Whiteknights House will be illuminated in purple as a symbol of solidarity and support for the disabled community.

You can also visit our stall in the Library foyer or at the Institute of Education to make a verbal pledge and receive a pair of purple socks - a visible reminder of your commitment to promoting disability awareness and inclusion.

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Join the University of Reading in raising awareness of disabled people's rights and celebrating their contributions throughout history.

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SAPD celebration of IWD & Silver Athena Swan award

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SAPD celebration of IWD & Silver Athena Swan award

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Staff and students came together to celebrate International Women's Day and receipt of the Silver Athena Swan Award from AdvanceHE. The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research. The framework encourages and recognises commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment.

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Athena Swan Silver Award Celebration - All Staff Photo2.JPG

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SAPD awarded the Silver Athena Swan award

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SAPD awarded the Silver Athena Swan award

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The School is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Silver Athena Swan Award. This award recognises a solid foundation for eliminating gender bias and developing an inclusive culture that values all staff members.

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17th December 2024.

All colleagues were invited to join a discussion session about the value of external committee positions to further women's careers in academia. Colleagues shared their experiences and prompted discussions around how to balance these commitments with other work priorities, how they can help expand professional networks, and how they help to develop external professional profiles.

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SAPD marked "Wear Red Day" on the 18th October 2024 to raise awareness about "Showing racism the red card". Staff and postgraduate students gathered for coffee & cakes and Professor Giacomo Zanello introduced the day as an opportunity to show our solidarity against racism.

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Watch our honorary president Shaka Hislop, CEO Ged Grebby, and a host of faces from our organisation look back at 25 years of Show Racism the Red Card.

The chair of the FA's Inclusion Advisory Board, Paul Elliot and Premier League winner Nigel de Jong are co-hosts of the latest '25 for 25' podcast to mark a quarter-century of Show Racism the Red Card.

We provide educational workshops, training sessions, multimedia packages, and a whole host of other resources, all with the purpose of tackling racism in society. Established in January 1996, the organisation utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to publicise its message. Across Britain, Show Racism the Red Card delivers training to more than 50,000 individuals per year.

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Watch our honorary president Shaka Hislop, CEO Ged Grebby, and a host of faces from our organisation look back at 25 years of Show Racism the Red Card. We provide educational workshops, training sessions, multimedia packages, and a whole host of other resources, all with the purpose of tackling racism in society.

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This artwork has been redisplayed in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development to celebrate Black History Month. The piece is entitled Fishermen, Barbados (1986) by Sundiata (born Winston Ian Stewart), a previous Fine Art student at the University of Reading.

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The UN have declared 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer

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The UN have declared 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer

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SAPD will be pleased to mark 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer, as approved by the UN General Assembly. This resolution will increase awareness of the crucial role women farmers play in agrifood systems. FAO have produced a recent report The status of women in agrifood systems | Gender | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao.org) with insights into gender dynamics across agrifood systems.

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FAO welcomes the celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026

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Approved by the UN General Assembly, it will increase awareness of the crucial role women farmers play in agrifood systems

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Congratulations to Caroline Vidler, Executive Administration Officer (Finance), based here in the School, who received a runners up prize at the University of Reading’s first Professional Services Awards ceremony, in part due to her efforts to support EDI and Wellbeing initiatives in the school.

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SAPD held a well-attended seminar day on the 7th June 2024 with short research talks and posters from staff and PhD students from across the 5 departments. This provided PhD students and ECRs the opportunity to present their work and to meet colleagues from other disciplines.

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Citizen science - community engagement in SAPD

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Citizen science - community engagement in SAPD

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After the excellent efforts of many Bioblitzers, we can confirm the winners of the 2024 (summer) Bioblitz for those unable to make the closing event:

Staff 1st place (number of unique and total species recorded) - Simon Mortimer

Student 1st place (number of unique and total species recorded) - Yalcin Yildirim

Staff 2nd place - Callie Rice (number of unique species recorded) &  Simone Pfuderer (number of total species recorded)

Student 2nd place (number of unique and total species recorded) - Vikki Rose

Best named species - Andrew Bladon with 'The Uncertain' moth

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In recognition of International Women’s Day, students and staff recently gathered to listen to a panel of four women talk about their personal academic journeys at the University of Reading.

https://x.com/UniRdg_SAPD/status/1779797024319099355

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The School of Agriculture, Policy and Development celebrated IWD 2024 with a panel discussion. The speakers included representatives from across the staff and student body of the school. They shared inspirational stories that told their personal and academic journeys to a very engaged and supportive in-person and online audience. Thank you to all involved.

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SAPD has an Early Career Forum which meets termly to discuss issues that relate to early career staff. This session in Feb 2024 included a talk from Research and Enterprise Services (RES) on the University support available for developing and submitting research and fellowship proposals followed by a discussion on ways to build a strong research culture for our ECRs.

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In response to staff and student consultations, the school has allocated a Wellbeing room as a multi-functional space designed for students, staff and visitors to take time for any health-, wellbeing or disability-related reasons. It can also be used for nursing or expressing milk, taking medication or as a space where people can ‘take a moment’ if they are feeling stressed, anxious, or just in need of some respite from the bustle of the campus. This space is also used as a first aid room, which takes priority.

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The school has created quiet study spaces for undergraduate and postgraduate students within the Agriculture Building. Accessibility to these rooms has been improved with the installation of magnets to retain the corridor doors. These rooms are available to students between the hours of 08:00-18:00 Mon-Fri.

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Every year we celebrate World Mental Health Day on the 10th October.

The theme for WMHD 2023, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.

World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for everyone’s mental health.

It’s a chance to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to get help if you are struggling. University Health & Wellbeing support can be found here

So, instead of our traditional School Coffee & Cakes today, we had World Mental Health Day “Tea and Talk”.

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As a student here in the School, I understand the importance of feeling happy and supported while studying for my degree. I spoke to fellow BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing student, Lloyd Rawles, to see how he is getting on. He said “It’s a great feeling to be part a part of the community here and to know that there is lots of support available to me.  So far, I used the student support team for module help where I have received advice on what to take to benefit my degree, and also getting help with writing my CV for my placement... - Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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Student Post – Matthew Sherry 

As a student here in the School, I understand the importance of feeling happy and supported while studying for my degree. I spoke to fellow BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing student, Lloyd Rawles, to see how he is getting on. 

He said “It’s a great feeling to be part a part of the community here and to know that there is lots of support available to me. 

 So far, I used the student support team for module help where I have received advice on what to take to benefit my degree, and also getting help with writing my CV for my placement... - Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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Student Post – Matthew Sherry 

As a student here in the School, I understand the importance of feeling happy and supported while studying for my degree....

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The Parent and Family Network is a staff network set up to support, represent and foster community among colleagues with familial and other caring responsibilities for children and young people. We advocate for those within our network across the University, provide a social forum, termly meetings and talks on a range of subjects. We welcome any and all to join and be part of our community both online and in person. Parenting and caring for children of all ages can be challenging (albeit it very rewarding too) so we are here to support you and advocate for you as best we can.

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Welcome to the Parent and Family Network!

We are a staff network set up to support, represent and foster community among colleagues with familial and other caring responsibilities for children and young people. We advocate for those within our network across the University, provide a social forum, termly meetings and talks on a range of subjects. We welcome any and all to join and be part of our community both online and in person. Parenting and caring for children of all ages can be challenging (albeit it very rewarding too) so we are here to support you and advocate for you as best we can.

Joining the Network: We keep in touch through our online community, offering each other informal peer support and information to help us, as parents and carers, manage work and family life. Join our Parent & Family Network online community on Microsoft Teams. Our Teams group has channels for different subgroups including:

New and Expectant Parents

Neonatal Parents

Children with SEND

Adoptive and Foster Parents

International and Multilingual Families

Adoptive and foster parents

You can also contact us via parentfamilynetwork@reading.ac.uk. Introducing the Network leadership The Network is led by two co-chairs and a steering committee, who are all staff volunteers from across the University.

The current leadership are:

Co-Chairs: Emma Broomfield & Lindsey Di Rosa

Steering group: Victoria Collins, Gunter Kuhnle, Teresa Bukowska, Rhi Smith, Dennisha Villaverde, Hollie Stockdale, Emma-Jayne Conway and Davina Ledermann.

The Network is a member of the National Network of Parents and Carers in Higher Education. How the Network began: The Network was founded after two colleagues, Ellen and Nikki, returned to work following maternity leave and wanted a way to connect with other working parents. With support from the Deans of Diversity and Inclusion, the Network was founded in 2019 and currently has over 300 members from all areas of the University. Events We run a mixture of informal discussion sessions and meet-ups, and talks with invited speakers. For information on upcoming events please join our Teams group. You can find information on previous events, as well as links to recordings of selected events (university log-in required) on the Events page.

The Network is one of the University's diversity and equality networks. These webpages bring together relevant information and resources which may be of interest to those with parenting and caring responsibilities at the University.

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We are a staff network set up to support, represent and foster community among colleagues with familial and other caring responsibilities for children and young people. We advocate for those within our network across the University, provide a social forum, termly meetings and talks on a range of subjects.

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There is now a Wellbeing Wall in the Staff Common Room with information and resources for staff.

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Deepa Senapathi gave a talk about her career in SAPD as part of the Career Champions series of events organised by the BAME and Women@Reading staff networks.

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A Quiet Room is now available in the Agriculture building

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A Quiet Room is now available in the Agriculture building

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A Quiet Room has been allocated for use by all staff and students in the Agriculture building. This is a multi-faith room and space for quiet contemplation, meditation and prayer available to those of all faiths and none. March 2023

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Celebrating the work of ‘United Nations (UN) Women’

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Celebrating the work of ‘United Nations (UN) Women’

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Student Post: Emily Bassett

In light of Women’s History Month (March 2023), I would like to celebrate the work of ‘United Nations (UN) Women’, who advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women. 

Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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World leaders in teaching and research relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments... School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, RG6 7BE Reading, UK

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Student Post: Emily Bassett

In light of Women’s History Month (March 2023), I would like to celebrate the work of ‘United Nations (UN) Women’, who advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women. 

Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 https://t.co/bVSqh2k3O1

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Student Post: Emily Bassett

In light of Women’s History Month (March 2023), I would like to celebrate the work of ‘United Nations (UN) Women’, who advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 pic.twitter.com/bVSqh2k3O1
— SAPD at Reading Uni (@UniRdg_SAPD) March 30, 2023

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Student Post: Emily Bassett

In light of Women’s History Month (March 2023), I would like to celebrate the work of ‘United Nations (UN) Women’, who advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women. 

Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 https://t.co/bVSqh2k3O1

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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World leaders in teaching and research relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments... School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, RG6 7BE Reading, UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
Student Post: Emily Bassett

In light of Women’s History Month (March 2023), I would like to celebrate the work of ‘United Nations (UN) Women’, who advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women. 

Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 https://t.co/bVSqh2k3O1

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Student Post: Emily Bassett

In light of Women’s History Month (March 2023), I would like to celebrate the work of ‘United Nations (UN) Women’, who advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women. 

Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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World leaders in teaching and research relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments... School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, RG6 7BE Reading, UK

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There are a range of mentoring schemes available for staff at the university. We held a bespoke mentor training session in SAPD on the 8th March 2023 for staff who wished to develop their mentoring skills to support others.

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What is Coaching?

Coaching is a process that allows an individual to reflect and gain awareness of who they are, what is important to them, their strengths, challenges, options open to them and what action to take in order to make the changes they want in their work.

Coaching at Reading

Internal Coaching Network

The University has an internal coaching network which provides coaching for staff. Colleagues who are part of the internal network all hold at least one professionally accredited coaching qualification and sign up to a strict code of Code of Practice including confidentiality. Coaching typically takes place over three sessions although there is the option to extend for a further three sessions, if appropriate.

To request coaching, please contact Lynn Moore: lynn.moore@reading.ac.uk in People Development for further details and an application form.

Introduction to Mentoring

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is the long-term passing on of support, guidance and advice. In the workplace it is a relationship where a more experienced colleague uses their knowledge and understanding of the work or workplace to support the development of the less experienced member of staff.

An individual can benefit from mentoring in a number of different ways:

development of knowledge, technical and behavioural skills

better management of career goals

developing wider network of influence

increased confidence and self-awareness, which helps build performance and contribution.

Mentoring is supported by the university primarily as a way of helping new starters settle into their role and gain confidence by understanding the context around them. Mentoring is available for new starters (Grade 6 with a University-wide remit, Grade 7 or a new manager), new research staff and new academic staff. Although line managers are responsible for organising a mentor in the first instance, People Development may be able to assist in advising who may be a suitable mentor.

People Development can also assist a more established member of staff who is seeking a mentor to facilitate their broader career development.

To request mentoring, please contact your line manager if you are in your probationary period or Lynn Moore: Lynn.Moore@reading.ac.uk in People Development if you are a more established colleague.

Find out more about the University's mentoring schemes for its Academic Staff, Research Staff and Professional and Managerial Staff.

Details about the eligibility for each scheme are contained within the document.

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What is Coaching? Coaching is a process that allows an individual to reflect and gain awareness of who they are, what is important to them, their strengths, challenges, options open to them and what action to take in order to make the changes they want in their work.

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In light of University Mental Health Day (Thursday 2nd March) we spoke to Second year BSc Agricultural Business Management student, Mary Raymond, who was recently featured in newspaper, Farmers Weekly on Mental Health in the agriculture sector.

Read more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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World leaders in teaching and research relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments... School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, RG6 7BE Reading, UK

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In light of University Mental Health Day (Thursday 2nd March) we spoke to Second year BSc Agricultural Business Management student, Mary Raymond, who was recently featured in newspaper, Farmers Weekly on Mental Health in the agriculture sector.

Read more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 https://t.co/9JpB4AsdTJ

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In light of University Mental Health Day (Thursday 2nd March) we spoke to Second year BSc Agricultural Business Management student, Mary Raymond, who was recently featured in newspaper, Farmers Weekly on Mental Health in the agriculture sector.

Read more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 pic.twitter.com/9JpB4AsdTJ
— SAPD at Reading Uni (@UniRdg_SAPD) March 2, 2023

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.entities.urls[].description
World leaders in teaching and research relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments... School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, RG6 7BE Reading, UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
In light of University Mental Health Day (Thursday 2nd March) we spoke to Second year BSc Agricultural Business Management student, Mary Raymond, who was recently featured in newspaper, Farmers Weekly on Mental Health in the agriculture sector.

Read more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 https://t.co/9JpB4AsdTJ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
In light of University Mental Health Day (Thursday 2nd March) we spoke to Second year BSc Agricultural Business Management student, Mary Raymond, who was recently featured in newspaper, Farmers Weekly on Mental Health in the agriculture sector.

Read more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 https://t.co/9JpB4AsdTJ

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In light of University Mental Health Day (Thursday 2nd March) we spoke to Second year BSc Agricultural Business Management student, Mary Raymond, who was recently featured in newspaper, Farmers Weekly on Mental Health in the agriculture sector.

Read more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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World leaders in teaching and research relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments... School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, RG6 7BE Reading, UK

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New Accessible use of colour guide is now available in the Digital Accessibility area. This guide addresses two important accessibility aspects with regards to colour: use of colour and colour contrast. March 2023

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There are a series of events being organised at the University of Reading for International Women's Day. March 2023.

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Inequalities in agriculture and implications for global change

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Inequalities in agriculture and implications for global change

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20th February 2023 (World Day of Social Justice)
Dr Sarah Cardey from SAPD has written a research blog post on the opportunities for challenging inequalities in agriculture and and creating a more resilient, food secure future, which include,
- Empowering women farmers
- Engaging young people in agriculture

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In 2007, the United Nations declared 20 February to be World Day of Social Justice. In their declaration, they recognized that "social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations" and that "in turn, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

It also recognized that social justice is interlinked with global development priorities: while there have been increasing opportunities for social and economic development, supported by technological change, new information tools, economic growth and the ability to improve global living standards

at the same time there remain serious challenges, including financial crises, insecurity, poverty, exclusion and inequality within and among societies and considerable obstacles to further integration and full participation in the global economy for developing countries as well as some countries with economies in transition.

Challenging inequalities in agriculture

The issues outlined in this resolution remain present around the world and continue to underpin many of the global challenges to sustainable development. Indeed, we can see their presence in many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, the theme for World Day of Social Justice is "overcoming barriers and unleashing opportunities for social justice". This means challenging the inequalities that prevent social justice and understanding the opportunities for change.

The agriculture sector can provide us with a good snapshot of these themes. Agriculture is fundamental to human survival - the sector plays a vital role in global economies - but is also central to ensuring global food security. However, not everyone is able to participate equally or equitably in agricultural value chains, and not all are able to achieve food security.

Empowering women farmers

Women often contribute most of the labour to small-scale agriculture (normally defined as farms of less than 5 hectares). In Uganda, and in much of sub-Saharan Africa, 75% of agricultural labour is done by women (Gender and Agriculture Sourcebook). Women are often the main labourers and producers, but their contributions to agriculture are frequently overlooked. They often lack rights such as land ownership, control over farm-level decision making, and access to agricultural support services that would allow them to expand and improve their farming practice.

Social factors such as restrictive gender roles mean that women are often denied a voice in decision making at household through to national levels, so they are often not able to advocate for what they need to continue their entrepreneurial efforts.

For instance, limitations on women's ability to travel can mean that they must sell their produce at lower rates because they can't travel to more lucrative markets. Or, they may be open to exploitation at the hands of middlemen, who know that they will accept lower rates for their produce than they should, because they cannot access markets.

It can mean that women aren't able to engage in valuable additional activities - turning their agricultural products into processed goods that can get them higher income. Agricultural technologies - machinery, irrigation technologies, even mobile phones and ICT - are frequently unavailable to women because of educational, financial and social barriers.

However, we also know from evidence and experience that when these barriers are removed, there have been substantial improvements in women's finances, opportunities, and food security. When women have ownership over land, can make decisions about their agricultural businesses, can have access to ICT, they can thrive and increase their socio-economic position, dismantling some of the gender inequalities that persist.

Engaging young people in agriculture

Similarly, we also see inequalities facing youth in agriculture. We are seeing a global trend of youth disengagement with agriculture, and migration to urban areas to seek economic opportunities. Much of the world's food is being produced by an increasingly aging farming population.

Engaging youth in agriculture is fundamental to ensuring sustainable food production. However, because of their age, they are often unable to access the resources they need to maintain financially successful farming enterprises.

Young people are often unable to access the resources like credit and productive tools (such as tools, seed, fertilizer) they need for farming, particularly in changing environmental conditions. Yet evidence also tells us that they have an appetite for innovation and entrepreneurship: when programmes are in place that provide education, technology, and access to these resources, young people have created a better future for themselves, and invested in their communities.

Inequalities in agriculture persist: women continue to provide the majority of labour in agriculture globally, but do not see the benefits of their work nearly often enough. Young people migrate for economic stability, undermining the sustainability of rural areas and agricultural production. However, when opportunities are in place to provide support and opportunities for women and young people, there have been demonstrable improvements in their lives. This presents a substantial opportunity to challenge inequalities and create a more resilient, food secure future.

Sarah Cardey is an Associate Professor in International Development at the University of Reading.

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Inequalities in agriculture and implications for global change - Connecting Research

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Agriculture is fundamental to human survival - the sector plays a vital role in global economies but is also central to ensuring global food security. However, not everyone is able to participate equally or equitably in agricultural value chains, and not all are able to achieve food security.

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International Day of Women and Girls in Science

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International Day of Women and Girls in Science

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February 2023
https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1

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To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Saturday 11th February) we are pleased to introduce PhD student, Nurul Fitri Sari, who is researching ‘Additives of Plant Origin As Modulators of Rumen Methane Production’.
 
Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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World leaders in teaching and research relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments... School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, RG6 7BE Reading, UK

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To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Saturday 11th February) we are pleased to introduce PhD student, Nurul Fitri Sari, who is researching ‘Additives of Plant Origin As Modulators of Rumen Methane Production’.
 
Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 https://t.co/ijBPQ691x8

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To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Saturday 11th February) we are pleased to introduce PhD student, Nurul Fitri Sari, who is researching ‘Additives of Plant Origin As Modulators of Rumen Methane Production’.

Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 pic.twitter.com/ijBPQ691x8
— SAPD at Reading Uni (@UniRdg_SAPD) February 11, 2023

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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World leaders in teaching and research relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments... School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, RG6 7BE Reading, UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Saturday 11th February) we are pleased to introduce PhD student, Nurul Fitri Sari, who is researching ‘Additives of Plant Origin As Modulators of Rumen Methane Production’.
 
Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 https://t.co/ijBPQ691x8

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Saturday 11th February) we are pleased to introduce PhD student, Nurul Fitri Sari, who is researching ‘Additives of Plant Origin As Modulators of Rumen Methane Production’.
 
Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1 https://t.co/ijBPQ691x8

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Saturday 11th February) we are pleased to introduce PhD student, Nurul Fitri Sari, who is researching ‘Additives of Plant Origin As Modulators of Rumen Methane Production’.
 
Find out more: https://t.co/HmvUfN9ug1

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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World leaders in teaching and research relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments... School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, RG6 7BE Reading, UK

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January 2023. The CQSD team at Reading have developed a website that is designed to offer a structure and a process for considering diversity and inclusion across the curriculum. The aim is to support programme teams engaged in curriculum review to take a pro-active and anticipatory approach to embedding inclusive practices across their programmes. Our institutional commitment to inclusion is underpinned by policy (please see the Policy on Inclusive Practice in Teaching and Learning). Here are some practical tips on inclusive teaching and learning that you may find useful. https://sites.reading.ac.uk/curriculum-framework/engaging-everyone/

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Our Vision

We aspire for the University of Reading to be an environment that respects and supports the needs of individual learners from all diverse backgrounds and in doing so enriches the wider collective student experience.
Read more about Our Vision...
Why Does Inclusion Matter?

The creation of a diverse and inclusive learning community is at the very core of what it means to be a university. We take it to be self-evident that learning requires openness to new ideas and to different ways of thinking about and experiencing the world. Universities are places of learning.
Read more about Why Does Inclusion Matter?

Teaching and Learning is Inclusive When...

Inclusive Learning Environments: Case Studies in Inclusion

Resources for Inclusive Teaching and Learning

Inclusive Curriculum Content

Curriculum Framework: Engaging Everyone Toolkit - comprises What is Inclusive Practice, Inclusive Curriculum Design, Inclusive Curriculum Delivery, Inclusive T&L Resources, and Student Engagement.

Decolonising the Curriculum resources - compiled by UoR's Decolonising the Curriculum Working Group. This resource includes case studies and a question-led method for decolonising your teaching, learning and assessment practices. Please note: this is Phase 1 of the Working Group project; further resources will follow in September 2023.

Inclusive Feedback and Assessment

Decolonising the Curriculum - question-led approaches to decolonising assessment can be found on pp13-14. More advice on decolonising assessment will be included in the Phase 2 resource package, which is due to be published September 2023.

Inclusive Learning Materials

Inclusive Cultures

Inclusive Teaching Environments

Aligning Space and Pedagogy Guide - provides guidance on designing learning activities for specific seating configurations. In a face-to-face on campus teaching you may be in a lecture theatre, lab or other designated teaching room.

Student Voice / Partnership

Projects and partnerships - Essentials (student facing pages)

Decolonising the Curriculum - advice for decolonising modules and programmes from the student perspective can be found on pp25-6.

Inclusion Consultants - find out more about the Inclusion Consultants, who are University of Reading students employed to advise colleagues on how to make their modules and services more accessible and inclusive to our diverse student community.

Student Partners and Student Panel - follow the link to find out more about our teaching and learning student partnership schemes, supported by the Centre for Quality Support and Development (CQSD).

Awarding Gap Data

Degree Awarding Gap site - The awarding gap (formerly known as the 'attainment gap') is the difference in the proportion of two student groups receiving a first or second-class degree. This website outlines what we are doing to address the awarding gap at the University of Reading.

Policy

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We aspire for the University of Reading to be an environment that respects and supports the needs of individual learners from all diverse backgrounds and in doing so enriches the wider collective student experience. Read more about Our Vision... The creation of a diverse and inclusive learning community is at the very core of what it means to be a university.

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January 2023. The University has launched a scheme to make sanitary products available for free in some locations across campus. This is a great initiative championed by final year SAPD student Chryssa Economou to help reduce financial inequalities (period poverty). Chryssa worked with RUSU and successfully lobbied the University to introduce free sanitary products for people who menstruate across Whiteknights and London Road campus.

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Final year student Chryssa Economou worked with RUSU and successfully lobbied the University to introduce free sanitary products for people who menstruate across Whiteknights and London Road campus.

What was the project?

Chryssa initially submitted the idea to

in Summer 2022. The idea (RUSU to lobby the University to introduce sanitary products in toilets) was debated at Student Council, who voted to pass the idea so it went to an all student vote. There, the idea received 178 votes, which was not quite enough for RUSU to be mandated to work on it (at the time, an idea needed 200 votes).

The idea was something that Chryssa was determined to work on, so she requested some support and resource to work on it herself. She met with the Senior Student Engagement Coordinator over the summer, who supported her to carry out some research and prepare for a meeting with the University's Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, Dr Allán Laville.

Along with Poppy, RUSU Welfare Officer, they met with Dr Allán Laville, in October, with Chryssa putting forward her argument to implement free products for those who menstruate. By the end of the meeting, Allán had committed to installing dispensers in the Library, Palmer and Agriculture on Whiteknights Campus and the Dairy on London Road campus (as well as one in RUSU) for the remainder of his term as Dean!

"I am very happy that this project took place and sanitary products will be implemented in the toilets. This shows that the university supports all groups that go through menstruation. I really enjoyed working in this project and I am happy that I achieved this. I want to thank Poppy, RUSU Welfare Officer and Bethany, Senior Student Engagement Coordinator for their support as without them and their willingness to help me this wouldn't have taken place". - Chryssa, Student Lead and Idea Submitter

Where can I find them?

Gender neutral toilets in Upper 3sixty, RUSU (building 29 on campus map)

Female toilets on the ground floor of the Library (building 2 on campus map)

Female toilets, Palmer Building (building 26 on campus map)

Agriculture Building (building 59 on campus map)

Think they should also be somewhere else on campus? Let us know here! [link to survey]

What does period poverty look like in the UK?

Period poverty is when an individual is unable to access sanitary products, usually due to financial reasons.

ActionAid reported that 12% of British women are affected by period poverty and nearly 1 in 8 women have struggled to buy menstrual products in 2022 for themselves or a dependent. 1

Approximately one in three women do not have access to free period products either at their school or colleges even after the establishment of the Government period product scheme.2

Plan International3 released the following statistics:

12% had improvised protection because of the prohibitive cost of period products

49% had missed school due to their period.

51% of respondents had suffered from the problem, or knew someone who had.

More than two-thirds had been forced to use makeshift menstrual protection at some point.

During the first lockdown, 3 in 10 girls in the UK have struggled to afford or access sanitary products and about 54% of these girls use toilet paper as an alternative

As well as the physical period poverty, there is also the stigma around people having periods which can have a damaging effect on individuals. 27% of 16-24 year olds that had had a period in the 12 months prior to talking to ActionAid said it had made them anxious, meanwhile 26% of women have experienced negative comments about their periods.1

1 https://www.actionaid.org.uk/blog/2022/05/27/cost-living-12-british-women-are-affected-period-poverty

2 https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/28/young-women-girls-uk-no-access-free-period-products

3 https://plan-uk.org/blogs/five-things-you-can-do-to-end-period-poverty

Where can I get more support?

If you need more products, our Once A Month society is working with AllYours, a charity who provide boxes of sanitary products to those who cannot afford or access them. You can find out more about their work here.

If, as a student, you are struggling with the cost of living crisis more widely, you can access the University's Student Support Fund, to help you continue with your studies.

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Final year student Chryssa Economou worked with RUSU and successfully lobbied the University to introduce free sanitary products for people who menstruate across Whiteknights and London Road campus. What was the project? Chryssa initially submitted the idea to in Summer 2022.

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The School celebrated Black History Month - which this year had as its theme for 2022, ‘Time for Change: Action Not words’ - with an exhibition in the foyer which ran from Wed 26 to Fri 28 Oct 2022. Nick Walker facilitated the loan of the steel pan from Mary Genis at RASPO (the Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra) and the books written by Shirley Anstis (Black British Members of Parliament in the House of Commons, 2020) and other books on display.

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Students engaging with the exhibition and steel pan.JPG

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Monitoring and supporting external speakers

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Monitoring and supporting external speakers

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January 2023. The Athena Swan Self Assessment Team in SAPD developed a short survey to track the gender, ethnicity, and career stage of our guest speakers and offer them a chance to provide feedback on their experience. This is to facilitate us building a diverse and inclusive working environment in our school.

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The welcome pack and induction material for new starters in the school now includes links to all the diversity and staff networks at the university.
Women@Reading
Parent and Family Network
BAME Network
LGBT+ Network
Staff Disability Network
Dec 2022

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The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10th October every year.

The theme of 2022's World Mental Health Day – Monday 10 th October 2022 - set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is 'Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority'.  World Mental Health Day is a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

SAPD will mark World Mental Health Day at the SAPD Coffee & Cakes and will be joined by Dawn Grout from the University Occupational Health Team.

SAPD would like the matter of Mental Health to be an ongoing conversation within our School, and invite suggestions on how the School can support our Staff, Students & Community.
Sept 2022

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A short video produced by the University's DICOP team was shown to all UG starters by the HoS and to PGT starters by the Director of GIIDAE  during their Welcome sessions. The video raises awareness of #Neverok and what students can do if they feel victims of or witness to unacceptable behaviours. Sept 2022 https://youtu.be/WGiV2om0ny8

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neverok slide Reporting an incident Sep 2022

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Did you know...? That the University of Reading has produced some resources to support colleagues with decolonising the curriculum

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Did you know...? That the University of Reading has produced some resources to support colleagues with decolonising the curriculum

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Sept 2022

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SAPD have now made all the School committee meetings minutes available on a shared Teams space. Also, the chair of the EDI committee now sits on the School Management Board meetings to bring issues to the senior team.

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Simon Mortimer (HOS) attended an event on the 20th June 2022 run by Alice Chilvers, CEO of the WHEN equality network.
https://www.whenequality.org/100

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Did you know...? Colour blindness will affect 1 in 30 of your students/colleagues

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Did you know...? Colour blindness will affect 1 in 30 of your students/colleagues

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Colour blindness is one of the world’s most common inherited conditions affecting:
- 3 million people in the UK (320 million people worldwide)
- 1 in 12 males and 1 in 200 females
- At least 1 student in every class of 30
https://www.colourblindawareness.org/education/secondary-school-higher-education
July 2022

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Action points arising from the Inclusion Consultants meeting, 25 May 2022

1. Do we have a prayer room in the School? What plans are there to institute one? What provisions can be made to ensure that students can use it without any prejudice?

2. Do we have clearly marked food offers (halal and kosher, for instance) in the Agric cafe?

3. The inclusion-enhancing power of using examples in our teaching that minoritised students can relate to from their lived experience

4. Student-Staff Partnership Group meetings in SAPD are currently held once per term, but this is regarded as too infrequent to address pressing issues

5. Anonymous questions to staff can be posted on a (moderated) Padlet as in the School of Law

6. Consult students on developing diverse reading lists

7. Lecturers putting out messages about cultural festivals, holidays, events is well received

8. greater awareness of diversity and inclusion across the staff and student body in the School, especially when there are marked differences in the level of diversity between MSc and Undergrad student bodies for instance

9.  Making an effort to pronounce people's names correctly and taking care not to misgender students.

10. Creating a more welcoming atmosphere when new students arrive in the School, perhaps by enlisting more senior students to welcome them.

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Did you know...? We are working towards the Silver Athena Swan Charter Mark

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Did you know...? We are working towards the Silver Athena Swan Charter Mark

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SAPD Commitment to the Athena Swan Principles

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SAPD Commitment to the Athena Swan Principles

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Simon Mortimer, as Head of School, has signed a commitment to the UK Athena Swan principles. October 2021

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University of Reading - School of Agriculture Policy and Development

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Ramadan Mubarak! It was pleasing to see a display for Ramadan in the foyer of the Agric building - thank you Emma for taking the time!
April 2022

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WEBSITE https://www.reading.ac.uk/apd/apd-equality-and-diversity.aspx
As a school, we have been successful in gaining an Athena SWAN Bronze charter mark. The Athena SWAN Charter promotes gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. It focuses specifically on the advancement of women's careers across higher education in all academic fields; this includes women working as academics and researchers as well as those working in professional and support roles. The charter also promotes and recognises work that supports trans staff and students. We developed an Action Plan for 2019-2024 to address issues identified in the process of preparing our application.
Feb 2022

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2019 Bronze ACTION PLAN - revised timescales to Sept 2024

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International Women's Day 8th March 2022

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International Women's Day 8th March 2022

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

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Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading - We were pleased to see our staff and PhD students gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day at our coffee and tea morning.  Professor Simon Mortimer, Head of School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, reflects on the theme #breakthebias and says:  “We are committed to tackling deliberate, unconscious and institutionalised bias in the School. This needs to be more than just awareness raising by a few, action is needed from us all, regardless of gender. The School’s EDI Committee are working hard on our Athena SWAN charter submission and will be proposing actions to encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the School.” | Facebook

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We were pleased to see our staff and PhD students gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day at our coffee and tea morning.

Professor Simon Mortimer, Head of School of Agriculture, Policy and...

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SAPD have signed up to the pledge from Agrespect

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SAPD have signed up to the pledge from Agrespect

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Agrespect is a charity who promote and support diversity in the countryside. We invite organisations to join us in this simple mission – ‘We stand against prejudice and support rural diversity, inclusion and enablement’. March 2022

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Agrespect. 820 likes · 1 talking about this. Agrespect celebrates all the LGBTQ+ who make a difference in agriculture and champions diversity in the countryside.

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SAPD POST-GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (PGRA)

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SAPD POST-GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (PGRA)

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This student-based association was established in 2020 and designed to assist the School’s post-graduate research students (PGRs) in academic, and non-academic career paths. Our mission is to improve and advance our fellow student’s experience through advocacy, networking and leadership opportunities, training, careers, and funding-opportunities with a focus on supporting PGR students academically, professionally, and personally, and to act as an extension for the capacities already in place for graduate students, to ensure that they are being made best use of.
Includes provision of a welcome pack, a buddy-up system, regular ‘coffee and support’ informal catch ups, as well as more formal mentoring events, including workshops from external speakers. Feb 2022

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The University of Reading is a global university that enjoys a world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise.