What is the diversity form?
Our work in equality, diversity and inclusion started in 2019 when we looked to improve representation across our volunteer network. In order to do this we needed to understand the current make-up of our members in these roles. Since then we have been regularly collecting and reporting our member diversity data.
The diversity form asks a series of questions ranging from protected characteristics, such as ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation to unprotected characteristics, such as caring responsibilities.
By collecting this data we can identify areas where there is a lack of representation, as well as gain an understanding of the barriers that may affect the way members engage, volunteer and train with us. We can then use this information to set up initiatives to either increase representation or provide support for our members as needed.
How will we use this information?
We use this information to produce our annual diversity data report which helps us to see trends and fluctuations across our membership. The data is anonymised and protected by our EDI privacy notice; if there is a risk of identifying an individual we will not share the full dataset.
This data is then used to inform our work across a range of College activities, for example, career progression, action planning and reviewing our policies and processes.
Some examples of where this data has already been used are:
- our work on differential attainment, so we can understand how different characteristics may affect exam performance or examiner bias
- updating our volunteer process, by reviewing the language used and the essential criteria to make these roles more inclusive
- our reciprocal mentoring programme, giving those from an underrepresented background an opportunity to share their experiences with College Officers and offering them insight into what it takes to hold one of these leadership roles within the College.
Data plays a major role in making the College more diverse and inclusive and we review it regularly to ensure our actions take account of our member population. Without this data we cannot be sure whether the interventions we put in place are helping to remove barriers for certain groups.
Members always have the option to select 'prefer not to say' to any of the questions asked. However, we encourage our members to complete their diversity profile in full so we have an accurate understanding of our membership.
What's next?
We are starting to look at updates to the diversity form, ensuring it asks the most relevant questions, looking beyond protected characteristics and taking into consideration other barriers that may affect our members' experience, such as social mobility and neurodiversity.
Members have also told us that some questions do not give them the option(s) to correctly identify their characteristics. Therefore we will look to expand our answers to be more inclusive.
We recently put a call out to our members to get involved in this piece of work and would welcome further input from others. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to edi@rcpch.ac.uk.