Sam Haley

Deputy College Manager, Anne Lister College

Equality Champion since 2023

I've been part of the Equality Champion network for just shy of a year now and have thoroughly enjoyed how helpful this network is in developing links across departments to tackle systemic equality, diversity and inclusion issues. During this time I've been able to join the University of Sanctuary Expert Group, supporting our refugee and asylum seeking students, as well as getting involved with marshalling the University's group at 2023's York Pride March. My experience as a Champion has been a hugely positive one; allowing my personal passion for issues of social justice and equality to be tied into my professional development and day-to-day work. As someone at the start of their career, I've found the EDI Team extremely supportive - they always have time to chat with Champions about specific issues and empower us to creatively problem solve - allowing me to shape my development and tackle issues in a manner that pushes for a better environment for staff and students.

I would strongly encourage more staff to join the Equality Champion network. As a Champion, you have access to a wealth of experience from across the University as well as dedicated training and support that empowers you to make significant change at a local and University level. There is still work to be done in tackling some of these community-wide issues but with more help, experience and insight from our colleagues, we can all play a role in creating a community that is respectful, inclusive and promotes social change for the better.

You can contact me, or any other Equality Champion, about how to get involved in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, learn more about EDI policy and practice, or discuss general EDI issues.

For more information about what our Equality Champions do, see the EChamps’ Terms of Reference and the Equality Champions’ Handbook.