
The University of Sunderland
The life changing University of Sunderland has 20,000 students based in campuses on the North East coast, in London and Hong Kong and at its global partnerships with learning institutions in 15 countries. We are proud of our long-established commitment to widening participation, our world-leading research, public and private sector collaborations and our track-record for providing quality student experiences that result in graduates who are the tomorrow-makers of our societies and economies.
We are proud to be shortlisted as University of the Year for 2021, the leading category in the annual THE – Times Higher Education – awards. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion was reinforced recently when we were named University of the Year for Social Inclusion (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021) and our We Care programme picked up the Widening Access Initiative (Retention and Progression) Award at the 2020 NEON awards.
SIR DAVID BELL
VICE CHANCELLOR
Our approach to EDI is driven by a sense of justice and the view that each person must be able to fulfil their potential. But it is also the smart thing to do because our success as a university and, indeed, our success as a society – socially, economically, and culturally – depends on every individual succeeding, irrespective of background. The University of Sunderland is proud to be playing its part in making that happen
Dr Jolel Miah
Lecturer in Psychology
About me
I am a British born Bangladeshi and a first-generation student. I joined the University of Sunderland as a Lecturer in Psychology in May 2021.
My PhD research evaluated a public health intervention to measure Physical Activity changes in the population. My other research interests include Mental Health in Faith Communities, Men's health in the prison service, and psycho-spiritual connection in community health interventions. I am a member of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce for the British Psychological Society Health Division and the Co-Chair for the BAME network for the University of Sunderland.
Why I enjoy working for UOS
I have worked in various originations and sectors and at different levels. What stands out for me at UoS is their people; they have ethics, values, and student-centred principles. They are practical and open-minded in their approach to work and have a Being in the presence and working with them empowers me and motivates me to be more productive. I find the students inspirational, and there is a real commitment from the University to change the lives of remarkable individuals. I'm happy to be part of an organization striving to achieve that. They encourage innovation and desire to implement methods and processes to become an effective, efficient higher education establishment.
Ellen Gambles (she/her)
Academic Tutor in Exercise, Sport and Rehabilitation Therapies
About me
I am an Academic Tutor in Exercise, Sport and Rehabilitation Therapies in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing at the University of Sunderland. I am chair of the Enabled staff network for disabled staff and allies and a member of the All Identities Included staff network for LGBTQ+ staff and allies.
Why I enjoy working for UOS
I like working for the University due to its strong commitment to EDI and developing an inclusive university culture. The staff networks have been a fundamental component of this by providing a safe space and like-minded community of individuals who can act as a peer support system. I particularly like the ongoing training sessions which provide an in-depth learning experience and discuss current issues and topics. For example, the impacts of religion on sexuality, intersectionality, lived experiences of disabled people, gender diversity and transgender awareness, eating disorders and so many more. I believe that my voice is heard within the institution especially within my department and faculty and that there are individuals who are working to ensure that staff are supported and feel valued.
