Our Faculty’s Religion and Beliefs Equity Lead, Annouchka Sterling, has created a blog called ‘Faith in the Faculty’ where she asks staff members interesting questions about their personal relationship with their religion and beliefs, and how it influences their roles at UCL.

Lloyd Naylor, Customer Operations Director, ISD (& Mohammed’s line manager)

• Who is Lloyd Naylor? Three words to best describe you…

Curious, optimistic, consistent

• What life lesson have you learnt since the pandemic?

The more diverse the groups of people you talk and work with, the better formed and informed your decisions will be, you’ll have more impact as a collective.

• How would you explain your work to a young person?

To my kids, “lot’s of meetings on how we can make UCL better through tech”.

To people I meet “I work for UCL”. It’s the first time in my career that I felt an organisation did so much good that working there was enough description.

• Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?

I love looking after bonsai trees, it’s restful, fulfilling and provides respite from looking after the kids.

Someone I told this to a few years back interrupted with “You even have to control what happens to trees” – very insulted!

• What’s your faith background, if you have one? How did you grow up?

My mother was a Christian, she didn’t go to Church very often, but did hold a strong belief. Surprisingly, she didn’t want to indoctrinate her 4 children, so didn’t have my brother and sisters christened, preferring to let them decide for themselves later in life. I’d have been in the same position as my siblings if it weren’t for a serious early childhood illness, the doctors told my mother there was a high chance of death, so she had me christened.

Though I was christened, I’ve turned out like my siblings, not aligned to any religion. All four of us put great value in doing the right things for other people and society, which is an aspect I see in most religions. I do spend time meditating, which helps me reflect, creates tranquillity, and helps me process things clearly.

• How do your values and/or faith impact your citizenship of UCL?

I try really hard to conduct myself with a high level of empathy, I genuinely want to know others’ opinions, thoughts and how they feel. This provides a real human connection which is valuable for me, and hopefully for them too. The phrase “walk a mile in their shoes” goes through my head often.

• What is your highest aspiration for interfaith cooperation at UCL?

For individuals that want to discuss their beliefs to have a forum and/or place where they feel able to do so with likeminded, caring and curious people for the betterment of everyone involved.

This doesn’t sound very aspirational, but I’ve struggled to do this, probably through some of my own nervousness, so small steps, right?!

• Tell us how being open to/open about faith and spirituality with your colleague/line manager has impacted your working relationship?

I’ve learnt lots about not only my colleagues’ faith, but also other faiths, as our conversations have tweaked both of our curiosities. I feel we can discuss many subjects, not only faith, at a far less superficial level as we have got the biggie under our belts already.

There’s a weight off my shoulders, as I don’t feel like I need to skirt around the subject of faith due to unfounded concerns about how he would respond or making him uncomfortable. I hope this makes me a better manager.

Our Faculty’s Religion and Beliefs Equity Lead, Annouchka Sterling, has created a blog called ‘Faith in the Faculty’ where she asks staff members interesting questions about their personal relationship with their religion and beliefs, and how it influences their roles at UCL.

Mohammed Aufogul, Head of Technical Design and Delivery, ISD:

• Who is Mohammed Aufogul? Three words to best describe you…

I am a 1^st generation UK born Mauritian Muslim, so I do say I am English as I was born in the UK, three words to best describe me, Happy, Optimistic & Pragmatic

• What life lesson have you learnt since the pandemic?

How important in-person, face to face interaction is and what a difference it makes. I had a personal experience with a close member of my family who was living alone, and I experienced 1^st hand what a negative effect not having real, in-person human interaction could have. I also feel coming into work is so much more productive for me due to those interactions I have that I don’t get when you work from home.

• How would you explain your work to a young person?

I always start by saying I work for UCL where I enable world leading research and teaching to happen, it’s how I truly feel, and I am so proud to be part of it. I sometimes give examples of some of the innovations & research UCL has been at the centre of.

• Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?

I once owned a Pizza Delivery Franchise.

• What’s your faith background, if you have one? How did you grow up?

I am Muslim and I grew up in a Muslim household. When I was young my parents were not practising but I was sent to an Islamic Saturday school. It was more of a social for me TBH where I could hang out with other Muslim kids most of whom were from a Mauritian background which gave me a sense of belonging. When I was 18 and at college, I got more curious about religion and found it to be very comforting for me as a young Asian person growing up in the UK. It gave me a sense of identity.

• How do your values and/or faith impact your citizenship of UCL?

In a very positive way and natural way, both for me go hand in hand. I never have to make an apology for who I am, and I believe that tolerance and understanding are very important. I strongly believe that if I make an effort to understand and listen as well as educate myself it gives me a better understanding and therefore better relationships and interactions with others.

• What is your highest aspiration for interfaith cooperation at UCL?

I would like us to aim for open conversations and understanding from all parties, believing that questions will come from a place of sincere curiosity and if we have a genuine two-way conversation, it will give us better understanding and help us embrace our shared humanity.

• Tell us how being open to/open about faith and spirituality with your colleague/line manager has impacted your working relationship?

The journey I have been on with my line manager has been amazing for me, I feel like I can come to work as my authentic self, and I don’t have to leave any part of me at the office entrance. We have such deep, honest, and respectful conversations and a lot of the time I have to take time to reflect and increase my knowledge. It allows me to see things from another perspective and it is always done with respect and understanding. In essence it has made me a happier and more complete employee with a sense of understanding.

Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims across Brain Sciences observing and celebrating Ramadan.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and fasting during Ramadan is the pillar of the Islamic religion. During Ramadan, Muslims worship Allah (God) through fasting which requires a person to refrain from consuming food and drinks from dawn until sunset every day for a month.

Tips to being inclusive during Ramadan:

Even if you are not observing Ramadan, there are a lot of things you can do (and some you might want to avoid) to make your workplace or learning environment a supportive and inclusive space for anyone who might be fasting and observing Ramadan.

Be curious, but positively curious!

Try to learn why your colleagues, students, or peers are fasting and observing Ramadan. It can be a simple ask or even a read on the internet- but if you ask, ensure you ask appropriately and at a convenient time. Being open to learning will increase your cultural competence, which is always a good thing in diverse environments such as UCL.

Flexibility goes a long way

While flexibility is already promoted within Brain Sciences, individualised flexibility during this period is important to maintain. If you are aware a colleague is observing Ramadan, offer any adjustments necessary where possible such as shortening meetings, avoiding scheduling meetings outside UCL hours (10 AM – 4 PM), and for line Managers- consider adaptations to break times.

Avoid micro-aggressions

Microaggressions are subtle examples of racism, prejudice, or bias that can be unintentional, but nonetheless very harmful. Microaggressions can be described in this context as “not even water?”, “If you have a little snack, will God be unhappy with you?”. As mentioned before, if you are curious, just ask respectfully.

Be aware exemptions exist during Ramadan

Be mindful that a Muslim may not be fasting at all or for certain periods of the month for different personal reasons. Some reasons a person may not be fasting can be; they are unwell, they are mensurating, they are pregnant, or they may suffer from a chronic illness.  Being aware of such possible reasons that are considered sensitive and personal should prompt how you approach possible conversations with those observing Ramadan.

UCL is a diverse organisation. However, this demographic diversity does not imply inclusion. Colleagues across the Faculty have been grappling with issues of intercultural communication and engagement and seeking to improve their communication skills, particularly with their international students. To address this, Anouchka Sterling (Faculty Religion and Belief Equity Lead) created and developed a series of workshops exploring these issues of intercultural communication and inclusion, with Stephen James, a cross-cultural communications consultant.

The workshops considered two primary needs: psychosocial safety, and intercultural competence and practice. By raising awareness of the importance of psychosocial safety, and discussing specific intercultural communication competencies that can lead to psychosocial safety, the workshop helped participants to develop tools for appropriate intercultural practices.

Participants ended the session by making pledges to apply their new skills and tools in their working life within the Faculty of Brain Sciences, including implementing active listening and responding to micro-aggressions.

Feedback from participants include:

“I thought the workshop was fantastic. I learned about concepts that I was not familiar with, the discussions and advice were really useful, and making pledges made it feel concrete.”

“It is fantastic that you are organising this and help us create a more inclusive environment within FBS. And I am definitely hoping there will be more events on this topic in the future.”

The Faculty has plans to run these workshops again in the next academic year, and to explore offering this training to our students; to give everyone the opportunity to improve the inclusivity of our working culture.

Ultimately, intercultural competence is a journey, not a destination, and is the key to creating psychosocial safety along the way. In a world where these skills are becoming ever more necessary and valuable, it is essential that we shape our institutional culture accordingly.

Written by Anouchka Sterling, Religion and Belief Equity Lead.

November is a feast of holy days across many different faiths.

It begins with two celebrated holy days in Christianity.  All Saints Day, in which the worldwide community celebrates the departed men and women of faith whose lives have exemplified and are renowned for the tremendous work of the grace of God. It is an opportunity to give thanks for that grace, and for the wonderful ends to which it shapes a human life; it is a time to be encouraged by the example of the saints and to recall that sanctity may grow in the ordinary circumstances, as well as the extraordinary crises, of human living. All Souls’ Day, also known as the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, allows us to remember with thanksgiving before God those whom we have known more directly: those who gave us life, or who nurtured us in faith.

These are followed by one of the most celebrated festivals in the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths – Diwali or Deepawali, festival of lights. Below, Pratham, a 2^nd year medical student, kindly shares a personal perspective on this festival:

“Hinduism has always been a big part of my life and I feel has shaped me to the person I am today. The yearly celebration of Diwali is one that I and the whole Hindu community that definitely looks forward to. Filled with candles and colours it’s a time of the year to brighten up your life and remove all the darkness present in it.

One thing that many people don’t know is that Diwali is not just one day but a festival made up of 5 days each with their own significance.

Dhanteras – celebration and worship of Wealth. In our religion, wealth is not only invited into our lives but also respected and worshipped, as we believe that the utilisation of wealth can be used for helping others; and in the use Gods work. Wealth is not only in the form of money but also health; qualities; and feelings like compassion. On this day we buy auspicious items like gold or silver and start new business ventures.

Kali Chaudas – celebration of strength. We can use our strength to spiritually develop, and create constructive changes to target problems in our society. Strength used in this way is the purest form of strength with no selfish intention behind it.

Diwali – one of the most popular days of this festival representing the victory of light over dark. We commonly see a candle used to symbolise the light itself. The candles are a historic remnant of citizens celebrating the return of Lord Rama to the kingdom by lighting up the streets. We aim to metaphorically light up our hearts to get rid of any impurities in our thoughts and knowledge; and to try and become more radiant individuals.

New year – according the Lunar calendar it is the new year. Here we recollect what we have learn throughout the last 3 days and create a “New Years Resolution”. During this day we have the biggest festivities and parties to celebrate.

Bhai Beej – celebration of the pure and beautiful relationship between a brother and sister. Siblings meet to have food and bond with each other. Our culture teaches us that God exists within everyone; and this would mean we are all brothers and sisters in a way. Remembering this fact, we should always look to treat all women with the utmost respect and love – the same you would treat your own sister.

Every year, other Hindus and I meet with close family and friends and have parties filled with varieties of traditional Indian food, lights, games, sweets, exchanging gifts; while keeping the sentiments of the festival in our mind.

My personal favourite part is the Rangoli (beautiful patterns made using colourful flowers and powders) drawn on entrances to building to invite joy and welcome good luck into the house.

This festival is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. Although the historic inspiration for the festival is slightly different in each religion; the sentiment and feeling behind the celebration is still the same. Diyas (candles) are still lit everywhere representing the victory of good over evil in our lives.”

Later in November, our Sikh friends celebrate the birthday of the founding father of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Sahib. Sikhism is still based on his teachings and those of the nine Sikh Gurus who followed him. The most famous teachings attributed to Guru Nanak are that there is only one God, and that all human beings can have direct access to God with no need of rituals or priests. His most radical social teachings denounced the caste system and taught that everyone is equal, regardless of caste or gender.

Altogether, this month promises to be a time of deep reflection for many on the gift of life, the practice of love within our families and our communities and the impact of each of those on the world we live in.

Written by Anouchka Sterling, Religion and Belief Equity Lead

Working in an organisation such as UCL means stepping into a melting pot of cultures, sub-cultures, values and communication styles. Many of us will encounter situations in our day-to-day that are impacted by intercultural communication differences, either peer-to-peer or staff to student. In a world of “You do you!” it may be tempting to think “Why bother with the differences, we’re all unique!”….. and yet it is precisely those differences that affect the way we interact with, and how we show up as educators, colleagues, students and peers.

We strive to be a place where our staff and students can be the best version of themselves, to express themselves without fear of judgement or reprisal. To do that we need an organization that promotes intercultural competence and protects psychosocial safety and this climate is manifest and maintained in the behavior and world view of all the community.

Yet, to some degree, our communication experiences will involve having witnessed or experienced, and if we’re honest, subjecting others to, unconscious bias, micro-aggressions, gender bias, or other bases for cultural miscommunication. We will have been in situations in which engagement with a student or staff member from a different cultural background was difficult, or where a serious cultural misunderstanding may have led to the breakdown of a relationship with a colleague or a student. These situations are not uncommon and personal differences of culture and communication often form the basis of unnecessary grievances and conflicts.  Recognizing when communication has been confused and/or hindered by cultural or sub-cultural difference is crucial to our understanding of and responses to the situations that we may encounter.

This is where the practice of Intercultural Competence comes into play and allows us to first assess our world view and then consider the other person’s, seeking to know and understand their perspective  and adapt our responses accordingly. In this way, we build an environment where each can say “I see you, I hear you and I want to understand you”.

I had the opportunity and privilege recently of organising and co-leading a few workshops on this very practice with Dr Stephen James (UCR) for a group of amazing UCL community members. Here’s what he has to say:

“Living and working in one of the most multicultural cities in the world can sometimes lead to the false assumption that we have few issues with cultural differences. On the other hand, we regularly hear of cross cultural insensitivities. To paraphrase Milton Bennet: “Proximity to cultural difference does not guarantee intercultural sensitivity.”

In other words, simply being exposed to cultural difference is not enough to develop appropriate responses to cultural and sub-cultural difference.

The purpose of our workshop is to provide a space in which we can work together with both academic and practical resources to develop both intercultural competence and psychosocial safety. Intercultural competence involves responding to cultural difference with respect, curiosity and with a learner’s attitude, while psychosocial safety is ensuring that academics, students and staff can expect to be who they are in an environment without fear of stereotyping, ridicule, rejection or reprisal.”

The conversations were enlightening, the discussion was engaging and the pledges that came out of the workshops were wholeheartedly encouraging. The work continues and we hope that the richness of our differences can be harnessed to bring beauty and benefit to the organisation as a whole, if we’re willing to truly see, hear and understand each other.

As we all look forward to the Easter break, most of us will be anticipating some well-earned rest and relaxation, and hopefully a chance to see people we love and miss in an outdoor setting. April also brings with it significant events in the life of the faith community, so if you have Christian, Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu colleagues or students, you might wish them a Happy Easter, a Blessed Ramadan, or a Happy Vaisakhi as appropriate!

For Christians, there is Holy Week, culminating in the cornerstone celebration of Easter. Holy Week is the name given to the week beginning on Palm Sunday (March 28th) and ending on Easter Sunday (April 4th).

Here Eleanor Sharpe, student on the MSc Speech and Language Sciences, shares with us why celebrating Easter is important to her:

“Easter is the Christian celebration of Jesus’s death and resurrection. Celebrating a death might sound odd, never mind believing that someone rose from the dead, so let me share about why Christians celebrate it.

Christians celebrate Jesus’s death because by it he showed how much he loves us. The Bible says “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17). When Jesus died, he took my place so I could enjoy his place. He took the penalty that my sin deserved, so that I could enjoy being a precious child of God, forgiven and restored to a close relationship with my Creator.

I celebrate Jesus’s resurrection from the dead for several reasons. Firstly, it shows me that His death really did finish paying the price for my sin so I can be confident that God will always forgive me and never reject me. Secondly, Jesus predicted his death and resurrection, and then it happened, so I can trust everything else he says. Jesus makes wonderful promises about himself and about his relationship with us, so it is comforting to know that I can trust those promises. And thirdly, because it means there really is hope. The worst, most final thing that this earth has to offer, namely death, has been defeated by God. This means I can be certain that one day I will follow Jesus into perfect, eternal life where “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

I celebrate Easter because it means I can be sure that God loves me and he’s not angry with me, and because it means whatever this world has to throw at me (including covid-19!), I will ultimately be kept safe by God and will get to live with Him forever. Celebrating that rather puts an impending coursework deadline into perspective!

But I won’t be alone in living with God because Jesus’ death and resurrection welcomes into God’s family everyone who trusts in Jesus. We therefore celebrate Easter as a whole church family together, singing praise to God, reminding each other of what Jesus has done, and beginning the celebration together that will last into eternity.”

April 12th marks the beginning of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims.

Safia Chaudhary, staff member, shares her thoughts on this significant event in the Islamic faith:

“Ramadhan is one of the most important months of the Islamic year, which runs according to the lunar calendar. Many Muslims will fast during this month, abstaining from food and drink between sunrise and sunset, and engaging in increased prayer and charity. Muslims often incorporate their own cultures into their faith practice, so you’ll find lots of different traditional foods and ways of celebrating depending on where someone is from.

For me, Ramadhan is a good example of the Prophet’s saying that belief settles in your heart but encompasses all of your limbs. So, while not eating and drinking is a big part of fasting, being mindful of what you say and do, and how you spend your time, are equally as important.

Many Muslims use Ramadhan as a spiritual re-set, sort of like a New Year for faith, and will make resolutions to work on different things during the month. For me, fitting in enough sleep, prayers and making sure I eat at the prescribed times can make it a good opportunity to build a routine and re-assess my work-life balance. I also try to practice being more mindful of my interactions with people at work and at home, and to build up patience with situations that might usually be frustrating.

It’s really a time for self-reflection and when it comes to Eid, the day of celebration at the end, you can feel quite rejuvenated. After the year we’ve all had, I’m looking forward to it- and to my mum’s Eid biryani at the end!”

Vaisakhi – the Sikh New Year festival – is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar and is also celebrated by Hindus.

It marks the start of the Punjabi New Year, but it is also a day to celebrate 1699 – the year when Sikhism was born as a collective faith. It is celebrated on 13 or 14 April. This year, it falls on Tuesday the 13th of April.

On Vaisakhi, Sikhs go to the Gurdwara in the morning for a service. Afterwards, they have a procession through the streets with lots of singing, chanting and colourful clothes. The procession is called the Nagar Kirtan. ‘Nagar’ means town and ‘kirtan’ means the singing of hymns from the Guru Grath Sahib, which is the Sikh holy book. The book is carried in the processions in a place of honour. Celebrations always include singing and music, as well as reading aloud scriptures and chanting hymns. In the evening, Sikhs have a special meal with family and friends.

Many Sikhs also choose Vaisakhi as the day to be baptised in to the Khalsa brotherhood. Big celebrations take place in the city of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, which is where Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa.

Farmers in the Punjab will also use Vaisakhi as an opportunity to give thanks for a plentiful harvest and pray for a good one in the year to come.

Look out for the annual London festival scheduled for April: https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/41527179-vaisakhi-festival-in-trafalgar-square 

Fun fact: all three events include or end with a celebratory meal, coming together with family, friends, believers, to share food and fellowship!

Written by Anouchka Sterling, FBS Religion and Belief Equity Lead

In this month of March we mark a number of religious and holy days of importance to a variety of faiths. In the Christian liturgical calendar, it marks weeks 2-6 of the Lenten 40 day period of sacrifice, reflection and preparation of the believer for Holy Week and Easter or Resurrection Sunday which is the cornerstone observance in the life of a Christian.

March 11^th sees the Hindu community celebrating the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which marks a remembrance of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in life and the world, and is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva. One of our students, Chhavi, shares her family’s perspective and experience of the festival in this quote: “Maha Shivratri marks the union of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is a no moon night, so on such nights the mind is calm which makes it a good time for chanting and meditation (which is what my mom does). This is done throughout India for a happy, long and prosperous marriage.”

This same day marks Lailat al-Miraj, a notable date in Islamic history. Muslims believe that the Prophet was given the instruction to establish the practice of daily prayers on this date so it’s important for that reason as they (daily prayers) are probably the most significant ‘rule’ in terms of daily life. Many people would observe some extra prayer that day or tell the story to their children.

On the evening of 27^th March, the Jewish community will begin their observance of Passover, which is celebrated for seven days (although orthodox Jews living outside Israel add an extra day). Passover is the commemoration of the Exodus of the people of Israel from Egyptian slavery, so named because God “passed over” the houses of the Israelites during the last of the ten plagues. One of the most well-known aspects of Passover is that Jewish people are forbidden to eat leavened foods during this week, such as bread; instead, traditionally special large crackers – called matzah – are eaten. This recalls the speed with which the Israelites had to flee, meaning their bread did not have time to rise. It is a significant moment in the calendar of the Jewish faith, and our colleague Prof. Jonathan Roiser explains why and what it means to him.

‘For me, the central message of Passover is freedom. The Torah (Jewish Bible) describes how the family of Jacob (also known as Israel) moved to Egypt during a famine. Although initially treated well, after several hundred years they were enslaved. God tells Moses to take the Israelites (Jacob’s descendants) out of Egypt – Moses famously demands to Pharoh, the King of Egypt: “Let my people go!”. Pharoh refuses, but following 10 increasingly terrible plagues from God, finally agrees. The Israelites make a dramatic escape, fleeing the Egyptian forces through the Red Sea. On Passover eve, we traditionally celebrate with family at the Seder ceremony, recounting the story of the Exodus while performing rituals laden with symbolism. Food features prominently, with symbolic foods sitting on a special plate in the middle of the table: the matzah represents the Israelites’ affliction; we eat bitter herbs (often horseradish) to commemorate the bitterness of oppression; we dip green vegetables (often parsley or celery) in salty water which represents the tears of the Israelites during their slavery; and on the matzah we put charoset (a sweet dip, often made from nuts and apples), representing the mortar that the enslaved Israelites used to build Egyptian storehouses (possibly even the pyramids). Also on the plate, but not eaten, are a lamb shank (recalling the passing over) and an egg (symbolic of renewal). There are also four (mandatory!) cups of wine for each adult. Discussion and singing are a big part of the Seder, meaning that it can extend into the early hours. In my family, freedom is a common topic, the symbolic aspects of the ceremony reminding us that, while we are fortunate enough to be free today, this was not always the case. We remember that many people around the world remain enslaved or are fleeing persecution, just as we once did. At the end of the ceremony we say: “Next year in Jerusalem!” – this refers not necessarily to the holy city itself, but allegorically the hope that by next year our actions will bring about the arrival of the messianic age, when everyone will be free. Passover often reminds me of the quote from American Jewish poet and activist Emma Lazarus: “Until we are all free, we are none of us free”.’

Written by Anouchka Sterling, FBS Religion and Belief Equity Lead

Newly appointed Equity Leads: Carolyn McGettigan, LGBT+ Equity (left) and Anouchka Sterling, Religion and Belief Equity (right)

The new appointments include Anouchka Sterling (Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience) as Religion and Belief Equity Lead and Carolyn McGettigan (Division of Psychology and Language Sciences) as LGBT+ Equity Lead.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the ethos of UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences. Our aim is to foster a positive cultural climate where all staff and students can flourish and be their authentic selves.

Anna Cox, Vice Dean of EDI for the Faculty said: “These latest appointments ensure our commitment to LGBT+ and Religion and Belief equity, and help us progress our vision of the Faculty as a place in which all members of our community feel that they belong and can achieve their potential.” 

Anouchka Sterling, Religion and Belief Equity Lead said: “EDI issues are of growing importance across the HE sector as pressures are felt from within and without that demand attention and more importantly, action. At UCL, as elsewhere in the UK HEIs, there are a growing number of staff and students from diverse faiths and belief backgrounds. Whilst UCL was founded as a secular institution, it must be noted that a large proportion of its staff and students are people of religious faith or non-religious belief, and it is important that this is recognised in the way the college is governed, the manner in which it functions and in the shape of its success.

“I look forward to collaborating with colleagues to serve UCL in this role and to shaping an inclusive environment that can contribute to the recruitment, wellbeing and progression of a diverse body of staff and students. It is my opinion that religion and belief, even if there is a lack of one, underpins the very structure of the society we live in and the world we depend on. At a time when so much in the world around us is in flux, it would seem to me to be essential that we strive, as a community, to do what we can to ensure that this protected characteristic is indeed protected.”

Carolyn McGettigan, LGBT+ Equity Lead said: “I’m delighted to take up this role. As a member of the LGBT+ community, I know the value of being seen and welcomed at work for who I am. I look forward to working with the Vice Dean and other members of the EDI Committee to ensure that all of our staff and students experience UCL’s Faculty of Brain Science as a welcoming, safe, and happy place to study and work.”