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Plymouth Marine Laboratory develop ‘culture survey’ to assess equality in the workplace

4 January 2023

Training in the laboratory

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) aims to further build upon its inclusive culture by working with the National Centre for Diversity (NCD) to develop an anonymous, confidential ‘culture survey’ to assess how our employees and partners perceive our culture in terms of equity, diversity and inclusion. The data we collect will then inform the preparation of a detailed action plan to improve our inclusive culture, where we aim for all employees and partners feel valued, respected and comfortable to be themselves. 

The news comes as PML seeks to achieve the ‘Investors in Diversity Award’, to build on and replace our Athena SWAN framework, which has been the framework we have used to support and transform gender equality at PML over the last five years. PML’s fantastic achievements through the Athena SWAN charter will not be lost, and the aim is to build on actions already established across a broader set of protected characteristics.   

The ‘Investors in Diversity Award’ is recognised at the national equality standard, which provides organisations with a bespoke approach for improving ‘Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement’ practices in the workplace. 

PML’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee has been developing the survey, to share with all colleagues and students at the laboratory, plus external organisations that we work with. The survey will be shared on 16 January 2023. 

Julia Davy, Head of HR and Chair of the EDI Committee said: “This is a big part of our commitment to EDI and would like to encourage as many people as possible to participate in this survey - so that we can hear your voice and inform actions to promote diversity and inclusion and address any areas of inequality.”   

“The survey is completely anonymous. All survey responses are collected by the National Centre for Diversity, so you have the freedom to be completely honest with us.” 

“We want to hear your thoughts and feelings, your real experiences. We are here to listen. This is your chance to help us make Plymouth Marine Laboratory the best place to work, for everyone.” 

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee meets regularly, and through their combined efforts have developed an ‘EDI Policy’, EDI Operating Objectives, a ‘Gender Equality Plan’, and ‘Terms of Reference’ document. These can all be accessed on our website here >> 

Julia added, “We add all EDI-related Policies, plans and objectives to our website; we want to ensure that we are as transparent as possible. We are also always welcome suggestions or ideas for us to discuss at our next Committee meeting, if you would like to raise a point, please don’t hesitate to email me in confidence at juda@pml.ac.uk” 

Upcoming EDI matters... 

Recently the EDI Committee has also undertaken an EDI Policy review and they are developing a ‘Dignity and Respect at Work’ Policy.  

The team have also invested in an Ihasco EDI training module, this essential training module has been added to the current suite of e-learning modules for PML staff and students.