Diversity and Inclusion Communities of Best Practice 

At the University of Reading, we have two communities where colleagues share their work on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). These are the Diversity and Inclusion Community of Practice (DICOP) and the Diversity and Inclusion Community of Interest (DICOI). DICOI acts as a space for people who are at the starting point of their journey with diversity and inclusion working and for people who wish to come together to learn from and with each other about their common interest in diversity and inclusion work in Higher Education. DICOP focuses on the practice of D&I, including sharing and generating actions for our next steps, from our central team, diversity networks, and Student Services colleagues.

Diversity and Inclusion Community of Interest (DICOI)

If you are thinking about making your teaching and learning practice more inclusive and are wondering where to start, or would like a welcoming space to share and reflect on your practice, the Diversity & Inclusion Community of Interest is here to support you.

What is the Diversity and Inclusion Community of Interest?

The group was created in response to colleagues asking for a dedicated space to talk about diversity and inclusion (D&I) within teaching and learning in the broadest sense. Topics of discussion have included strategies for closing the awarding gap, decolonising the curriculum, and creating inclusive learning settings. It was established in 2022 by the Dean for Diversity and Inclusion Professor Al Laville, Professor Billy Wong at the Institute of Education, and Director of Student Success and Engagement Anne-Marie Henderson.

The 2023-24 academic year sees DICOI co-chaired by Professor Billy Wong and Dr Michael Kilmister, Academic Developer in the Centre for Quality Support and Development (CQSD). Ceara Webster, the University’s Diversity and Inclusion Adviser, provides guidance and organisational support for the group. 

Who is eligible to join?

Everyone. DICOI is a safe and welcoming space for asking questions and sharing reflections and practice. Membership is diverse, featuring academic and professional staff, and meetings are offered in hybrid mode to ensure as many people as possible can attend. You do not have to be engaged in diversity and inclusion work to join, but merely interested in learning more about diversity and inclusion initiatives happening across schools and functions.

It is essential that lived experience is at the core of the group’s efforts and staff who identify as being from any underrepresented communities are encouraged to join. 

Interested colleagues are welcome to sign up to the DICOI Teams site and mailing list by emailing the D&I Advisor, with the sentence ‘I would like to join DICOI’ in the subject.

When does DICOI meet?

The group currently meets termly for 90 or 120 minutes. Meetings will be run simultaneously in-person at Whiteknights (WK) or London Road (LR), and digitally on Microsoft Teams unless otherwise advised. Light refreshments will be available for in-person attendees in the first 30 minutes, which is also intended to be a time when you can catch up with each other and chat about challenges you might be facing embedding D&I practice in your area.

Upcoming meeting dates (2023-24):

• Autumn Term: 22 November 2023 (WK 12:30 - 14:00)
• Spring Term: 13 March 2024 (LR 12:30 - 14:00)
• Summer Term: 11 June 2024 (WK 12:30 - 15:00)

If you would like to come along to participate in any of the termly meetings, please email the D&I Advisor with any access and dietary requirements information. We look forward to seeing you there!