Meet Denise: 亚博体育官网's Equality Champion for Pregnancy & Maternity
亚博体育官网 appoints Equality Champions for each of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Denise Penny, Principal Lecturer, is the Equality Champion for Pregnancy and Maternity. Learn more about her and her work supporting our community at 亚博体育官网.
Hi everyone! I鈥檓 Denise Penny, a Principal Lecturer in Public Health and Health Promotion, and I鈥檝e had the pleasure of being a Pregnancy and Maternity Equality Champion at 亚博体育官网 for just over a year now. With a professional interest in Maternal and Infant Nutrition, and as a mum of three, this role is close to my heart.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is facilitating the Pregnancy and Maternity Action Group (PMAG) within the University. This group focuses on issues related to pregnancy and maternity equality, and it is really fulfilling to see how our efforts can make a difference in the lives of our staff. We meet monthly and it's been fantastic getting to know individuals from various teams and services across 亚博体育官网 who I might not have met otherwise. Our group is open to all, and we鈥檇 love to see more members join, whether you鈥檙e a parent or not, have grown-up children, or don鈥檛 identify as female. You can join our Teams channel
Another highlight of my role is organising awareness raising information and events, such as when 亚博体育官网 became part of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme. The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme aims to ensure breastfeeding mums that if they see the sticker in the environment, they will be made to feel welcome and supportive of their feeding choice. These events are wonderful opportunities to bring the community together, raise awareness and celebrate our diversity.
Being part of the PMAG has also provided the opportunity to contribute to University policy. It鈥檚 great knowing that our input is valued and that we can put forward suggestions to shape policies to better support pregnant individuals and new parents. Our work in the PMAG is supported by our HR Equality Champion, and it鈥檚 a team effort to make positive changes.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) should be embedded in everything we do, and the Equality Action groups are a fantastic way for staff to advocate for enhancements to make 亚博体育官网 an even more inclusive community. If you鈥檙e interested in finding out more about PMAG or want to share anything regarding Pregnancy and Maternity Equality, feel free to contact me directly.
I look forward to connecting with more of you!
