Members of the Physics Inclusion Group met in person last week for the first time in over 18 months. Our aim? To rejuvenate our action plan for improving inclusivity within the Physics and Astronomy department here at Exeter University.
Our action plan is one of the keystones of our commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment for everyone working in the Physics and Astronomy department. Structured using the Institute of Physics’ six Juno Principles, it details all our planned activities for monitoring data, addressing barriers to progression and developing new initiatives to increase diversity and improve department culture.
Pre-pandemic, our Physics Inclusion Group met regularly to discuss departmental equality, diversity and inclusivity issues and work on our action plan. Many activities have continued, albeit online, during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with restrictions reducing, we felt it was time to refresh our action plan, including considering any additional measures needed to address the negative impact of Covid-19 on equality.