People First
 During
the course of the year, the University's School
of Health Studies successfully retained Investors in People recognition
for the fourth consecutive time and provided a vital blueprint, which
helped the University of Bradford become the only pre-1992 university
in England to achieve this much sought-after recognition as a whole institution.
Achieving the Investors in People Standard in April 2003 was one of the
aims of the University's Corporate Plan and is something we will build
on and develop as central to our mission.
The University has also sought
to live up to its commitment to 'Confronting Inequality:
Celebrating Diversity' through a host of other initiatives including
crucial work around equal opportunities. The University joined senior
representatives of 16 public sector organisations in the District to reaffirm
support for equal rights and diversity through a joint Equality and Diversity
Statement recognising our commitment to working towards eliminating all
forms of discrimination, inequality, exclusion, victimisation, harassment
and bullying. Bradford's joined-up approach to these issues has included
hosting a best practice seminar on managing religious diversity in HE,
which attracted support from the Higher Education Equal Opportunities
Network.
 At
a grass-roots level, too, University staff and students have joined forces
to support UCAN, an initiative by the University and
the Students' Union to develop links between University staff and students
and the wider community. Volunteers from any academic discipline are supported,
with an emphasis on working in partnership with not-for-profit organisations
in disadvantaged areas. UCAN, supported by the Higher Education Active
Community Fund, has spearheaded the launch of a School Governor "One-Stop-Shop"
where schools in need of board members can employ staff volunteers alongside
other projects such as reading in schools, play schemes for children with
autism, dyslexia awareness work, and mentoring and tutoring projects.
The commitment of the University's
people is echoed across the institution. More than a fifth of academic
teaching staff at the University of Bradford have now joined The Institute
for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education - more than double last
year's total, whilst the University's Language
Unit has been accepted as an institutional member of the British Association
of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes.
The contribution of individuals
is also worthy of celebration, with University staff and students receiving
accolades for their academic, personal and professional achievements too
numerous to mention. Scholarships, awards and presentations for excellence
- in teaching, learning, sports and other activities - feed into and enhance
the vibrancy of University life.
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