National Inclusion Week 2020 - What inclusion means to me: Dr Izzy Moore
1st October 2020
As part of National Inclusion Week (28 September to 2 October 2020), and in line with the recently established Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, BASES will be sharing stories from the EDI Committee Members on what inclusion means to them, to help raise awareness about Inclusion in the workplace.
National Inclusion Week 2020:
What does inclusion mean to me?
For me, improving inclusivity within the field I work in, academia, is something long overdue. Whilst we have a long way to go, I have started to see real change happen and systems put in place to improve how inclusive the field is. I have been fortunate to have had a number of inspiring female role models and mentors, who have encouraged and supported me over the years to overcome barriers. Now, as a senior researcher, this is something I actively look to do with early-career and PhD researchers. I look to foster an inclusive research environment and support network, allowing everyone to have an equal voice in discussions and giving people opportunities regardless of their gender, race and background. I see my role as one that should facilitate others to reach their potential. Sometimes this means being their voice to ensure it is heard and other times it means helping to open a door or removing an obstacle that seems to be in their way.
Being inclusive should not just be an organisational strategy or a tick box, it needs to be part of an individual’s mindset to help make meaningful inroads into improving inclusivity within the field. It is about providing open opportunities. It is also about providing the support required to be able to take advantage of those opportunities when they arise.
It is your actions and interactions with others, and, for me, it is about trying to be the change I want to see. It is about actively being inclusive and seeking opportunities to promote and instigate change.
Dr Izzy Moore
Member, BASES Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Programme Director MSc Sport & Exercise Medicine, Cardiff Metropolitan University