We are very pleased to announce that we have appointed an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion. Heather Baxter, who project manages Theme 3 from Plymouth Marine Laboratory, will be taking on the role alongside her existing duties.
The purpose of the EDI Champion role is to hold UKERC accountable to the pledges made in our EDI Plan. It matches UKERC’s EDI policy with concrete actions we intend to take to promote equality, value diversity and uphold a working and social environment in which the rights and dignity of our staff, researchers, students, partners, and stakeholders are respected. Heather will also work closely with our Engagement Officer Amber Sawyer and the soon-to-be-appointed EDI and Impact Officer to champion EDI across UKERC’s activities.
UKERC Director Professor Rob Gross said “I am delighted that Heather is filling this important role of Championing EDI across UKERC. We look forward to working with her to ensure that equality, diversity, and inclusion are given the prominence it requires across the consortium.”
Heather applied for the role because she would like to help increase the diversity and inclusion of all underrepresented groups within the UKERC consortium and wider energy research community. Furthermore, on a personal side, she would like people from ethnic minority backgrounds to have a space at the table and to be seen at every level from undergraduate to Professor within academia, and entry-level to CEO in Industry.
If you would like to get in touch with Heather, please email her directly: heba@pml.ac.uk