Applications are now open to apply for funding in support of initiatives to advance equality, diversity and inclusion at Worcester College.

The EDI Fund is open for applications from any current student or member of staff to develop special projects or initiatives that will take place before the end of the academic year.

Worcester College strives to be an inclusive community in which different perspectives and experiences are embraced, and every individual is respected and treated fairly. We hope that the EDI Fund will help inspire College members to think about how they can contribute to our community and help advance equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of College life.

Last academic year, some of the initiatives we supported were:

• A launch event for a new podcast series that opened discussions about having periods and doing laboratory work
• The purchase of anti-spiking drink covers to help raise awareness about drink spiking and personal safety on nights out
• A diversity training workshop for students and staff

What would you like to do this year to promote or advance our EDI objectives? We are open to supporting any ideas within the guidance below.

About the EDI Fund

The EDI Fund has been established by the Provost and Governing Body of Worcester College to enable new initiatives or activities that will advance equality, diversity and inclusion in College life. All current staff and students are eligible to apply. The annual Fund total is £2,500, with a maximum single award generally limited to £500, although this may be exceeded if wider or long-term impact can be demonstrated.

Guidance for applicants

Applications must be submitted before the end of Week 2 Hilary Term – by Friday 26 January 2024. The fund may be used to deliver special events or create opportunities that will engage, support and include College members, particularly those with underrepresented (or “protected”) characteristics.

Your proposal might be for an initiative that:

• connects more diverse audiences with Worcester College (e.g. a public event or exhibition)
• enhances teaching, research or learning opportunities for College members (e.g. starting up a reading group or film club; purchasing equipment or resources; organising a workshop; or inviting a guest speaker)
• promotes diversity and/or enriches the College’s cultural life (e.g. religious celebrations, themed events or promotional initiatives)

We are particularly keen to support initiatives that have the potential for broader impacts. It is unlikely that we will award funding for proposals that benefit a single individual or small group, and do not demonstrate broader impact beyond that individual or group.

Successful applicants must ensure they have the appropriate time and commitment to undertake any additional work required to deliver the project they have been awarded funding for. (The College has limited administrative support to offer, but will do its best to facilitate progress.)

Applications must be for projects or initiatives that will be completed by the end of the academic year in which the application is made, i.e. by end of Trinity Term 2024. Any funds awarded but not spent by a project within this time will revert back into the EDI Fund for the next application round.

Applicants will be required to produce a short summary report within 6 weeks of the project’s completion to describe how the funding was spent and assess the impact, outcomes or feedback from the project.

Additional information

We aim to notify applicants of the funding decision within two weeks of the application deadline (i.e. by the end of 4th week in Hilary Term). Applications will be assessed by a panel comprising the Equalities Fellow, Provost and a representative each from the JCR and MCR. All grants shall be awarded at their discretion.

Any questions?

Please contact the PA to the Bursars (emily.sahadeva@worc.ox.ac.uk) or EA to the Provost (sue.geddes@worc.ox.ac.uk).

Submit your application online