New guide to support work with equal opportunities
The dialogue tool includes a number of cases based on situations that can arise in education and work environments. Photo: Johan Ahlenius, Uppsala University.
There is now a new methodology guide that makes it easier for coworkers and managers to work jointly with equal opportunities at the everyday level. The University’s Human Resources Division has produced a short film and developed a tool for facilitating dialogue with the aim of increasing knowledge and contributing to greater reflection and empowerment, based on the needs identified in the activity.
The new methodology guide consists of two parts: a short film in Swedish and English that introduces what equal opportunities means, and a dialogue tool designed to facilitate discussion and reflection in the activity in a simple and inclusive way.
“There’s been a demand among the staff for more knowledge and concrete, practical tools to assist in constructive dialogue in working groups,” says Sofie Lennartsson, HR Generalist at the HR Division, University Administration.
The film was produced in collaboration with Studio Blåsenhus and provides an introduction to what equal opportunities means at Uppsala University. It describes the discrimination grounds listed in the legislation, the different forms of discrimination, and how working with equal opportunities helps to create a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for students and staff.
The purpose of the film is to create a common foundation for further dialogue, regardless of previous experience or one’s level of knowledge.
“To make the content even more accessible, we’ve produced a film in both Swedish and English that provides a common introduction and which can be used by both staff and students.”
Dialogue tool with cases – support for reflection and development
The dialogue tool is intended to assist in investigating the work environment, identifying risks and causes of discrimination, and discussing preventive measures.
“The dialogue tool includes a number of cases based on situations that can arise in education and work environments. The cases are designed to stimulate reflection and open discussion in the working group, to support managers and staff in identifying norms, obstacles and opportunities, and to contribute to the development of concrete proposals for action linked to the activity’s systematic work with equal opportunities,” says Sofie.
The material has been developed to be suitable for use in conjunction with workplace gatherings, in skills development, or in other ways when groups are working on work environment issues.
“No prior knowledge is required. The idea is that everyone should be able to start from the same level of understanding and that the film serves as a common platform to stand on. The dialogue tool gives groups the opportunity to reflect on the different cases and work in a structured way to investigate, analyse, remedy and follow up,” she adds.
Flexible support for the entire University
Including all staff in our work with equal opportunities is an important aspect of the University’s responsibilities. Staff are given the opportunity to discuss relevant everyday situations together and to jointly improve their knowledge and skills.
“Managers or heads of department can use the material to initiate a dialogue and create a structure for long-term work, and activities that directly involve students can use the cases to reflect on how equal opportunities affect the quality of their education. We hope that the film and the dialogue tool in combination will be an easy, engaging and effective way to involve all staff in our work for equal opportunities,” says Sofie Lennartsson.
With the film and the dialogue tool, the University has a common platform from which to develop knowledge, empower students and staff, and create even better conditions for equal opportunities throughout the University.