Inclusive Alliance Network launched to support disabled staff and postgraduate researchers

01 Nov 2024

Launched by Dr Konstantina Drosou and SALC postgraduate researcher (PGR) Laura Howard, the Inclusive Alliance Network aims to provide a safe, supportive environment.

The Inclusive Alliance Network (IAN) has launched this month, an initiative developed by Dr Konstantina Drosou, Lecturer in Biomedical Egyptology, and SALC PGR Laura Howard, to offer guidance to supervisors and line managers around supporting disabled staff and PGRs. 

Laura was initially inspired by the incredible support received from Konstantina, saying: “She is an amazing supervisor to her disabled PGRs and her practice should be shared far and wide.” 

After researching the University’s Disabled Staff Network (DSN), Konstantina and Laura found that many supervisors and line managers experience uncertainty around how to best support their disabled staff and PGRs. Several reported feeling uncomfortable broaching the subject, while those that did often found themselves unsure of where to turn to for help. 

The IAN aims to help by offering peer support and encouraging open and honest discussion about supervising disabled staff and PGRs. Members can get advice from experienced colleagues, receive training and guidance, and access useful resources on the IAN Teams space. 

Konstantina and Laura have also created a podcast alongside Jackie Carter, Academic Lead for EDI Disability, and Associate Vice-President for Research Melissa Westwood, covering Konstantina's experiences as a supervisor to disabled PGRs and the various flexible and creative solutions she came up with to dismantle the barriers they face. 

Join the Inclusive Alliance Network’s Teams channel to find out more. Colleagues are encouraged to share any experiences, tips, or documents that may helpful.