26 Sep 2024At NIHR ARC North Thames, we focus on research that will directly improve the health and social care system and reduce inequalities. Equity is fundamental to our overall purpose.
We are therefore committed to improving inclusion in all aspects of our work, including governance and leadership, patient, public and community involvement, research, teaching and training, and operational functions.
Our Inclusion Committee meets quarterly and allows us to coordinate together on the equality, diversity and inclusion activities and initiatives underway across the ARC. We share lessons, build on best practice, and explore new initiatives.
The purpose of the committee is to:
- Uphold the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion across the ARC
- Explore links with, and learn from, other inclusion initiatives in our region
- Bring an equality, diversity and inclusion lens to the ARC's work, working across existing structures to bring about improvements
- Act as a forum for action, as well as information/idea sharing
- Be a critical friend and advisor to the ARC
- Act in educational role, signposting to/developing resources as needed
- Evaluate how inclusion is enacted across the ARC, to monitor, and to encourage compliance with initiatives
- Help align the ARC more closely with NIHR’s equality, diversity and inclusion strategy.
The committee is open to anybody from across NIHR ARC North Thames organisation with an interest in this area. There are no restrictions on numbers or duration of membership and we aim for an equal balance of researchers and non-researchers, including patients, carers and the public.