Career Development:
Career development involves the process of acquiring and enhancing skills, knowledge, and experience to progress your career. It encompasses activities such as training, networking, and gaining relevant work experience.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are interrelated concepts aiming to enhance workplace culture and outcomes for various people. Diversity involves a workforce representing a mix of backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and experiences. Inclusion fosters a work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and involved. Equity ensures fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, identifying and eliminating barriers that have hindered the full participation of some groups.
Employability:
Employability refers to the skills, knowledge, and experience people need to successfully secure and maintain employment. It includes both job-specific technical skills and transferable skills valuable across various careers.
Entrepreneurship:
Entrepreneurship involves starting and running your own business. Entrepreneurs innovate, take risks, and create new goods or services in the pursuit of profit and growth.
Equality and Diversity:
Equality and diversity encompass the legal obligation to promote fairness, equal treatment, and respect for everyone in the workplace and in higher education. It ensures individuals are treated fairly, regardless of their background.
Groups statistically less likely to attend university:
Includes; Disabled students; Students with a mental health condition; Neurodiverse students (for example, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); Students who are estranged from their families; Students who are care experienced; Students from Black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds; Students with caring responsibilities, including parental responsibilities; Students who are refugees or asylum seekers; Students from an area of deprivation; Students from an area of low HE participation; Students from low-income families; Students who are first in their family to attend university; Students who identify as LGBTQ+; Students from Gypsy or Traveller backgrounds.
Inclusive Recruitment:
Inclusive recruitment refers to the fair and unbiased process of recruiting and selecting candidates, ensuring there is no discrimination or prejudice. It aims to attract diverse talent and create a level playing field for all applicants.
Intersectionality:
Intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of different aspects of an individual’s identity, such as race, gender, sexuality, and disability. It recognises how these factors can intersect and shape an individual’s experiences and challenges.
Mentoring:
Mentoring involves the support provided by a more experienced person to a less experienced one. Mentors help mentees develop skills, knowledge, and experience, offering guidance and advice.
Networking:
Networking is the process of building relationships and connections with other professionals. It aims to expand your professional contacts, gain insights, and access career opportunities and support.
Private Sector:
The private sector encompasses businesses and industries owned by individuals or private companies. It’s driven by profit, offering roles ranging from small businesses to multinational, global corporations.
Public Sector:
The public sector consists of organisations owned and operated by the government or local authorities for example. It offers employment opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, law enforcement, and public services.
Social Enterprise:
Social enterprises are businesses that aim to improve social or environmental issues. While they generate profit, a significant portion of these earnings is usually reinvested to further their social mission.
Social Mobility:
Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to access and progress in education and employment, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Socioeconomic Background:
Socioeconomic background refers to a person’s or family’s social and economic status, shaped by factors such as income level, education, occupation, and access to resources. It can influence opportunities and experiences, including access to education, healthcare, and career prospects.
Student Support Services:
Student support services encompass a range of resources and services available to support students throughout their academic journey. These may include academic support, career advice, and mental health services.
Third Sector:
The third sector, also known as the voluntary or non-profit sector, includes charities, non-profit organisations, and voluntary groups. Its primary aim is social good rather than profit.
Underrepresented Groups:
Underrepresented groups include individuals who are underrepresented in the workplace or in higher education, such as ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Unconscious Bias:
Unconscious bias refers to unintentional or automatic biases that individuals may hold towards certain groups. These biases can influence decision-making and contribute to the continuation of inequality.
Voluntary Work:
Voluntary work refers to unpaid roles undertaken to benefit others. It’s often associated with charities or non-profit organisations and provides valuable experience and skills development.
Work-based Learning:
Work-based learning refers to learning that takes place in the workplace, including on-the-job training, internships, or work placements. It provides practical experience and enhances employability skills.