Aim: To identify the positive action gender and black and minority ethnic policies and practices of the member organisations of the Science Council for the purposes of identifying those practices which are having most impact on supporting women and black and minority ethnic women and men members.
Objectives:
To identify baseline data disaggregated by gender and ethnicity: for all levels of membership eg: student members, Full members, fellows, councils, presidencies, award winners and nominees;
To provide adequate background information to place the membership data in context, eg. Overall scope of each institute, relative scale of membership, and estimated numbers of potential members in the workforce, disaggregated by gender and ethnicity.
To identify baseline cultural feel of the Institute through its marketing materials, membership gifts, award nominations procedures, paintings, members facilities;
To identify positive action initiatives introduced to support the participation and position of women and BME members and to assess the impact of the initiatives;
To identify best practice in recruitment, retention and support services
To report and share on best practice through a written report and high profile event bringing together the Institutes
To develop individual action plans with those Institutes that are identified as needing to develop their equality practices
Methodology
The method selected should be the most suitable for this specific research and it would be anticipated that the research should incorporate a collection of both quantitative and qualitative data via range of methods and techniques. It may also incorporate a focus group approach to identify the perceptions of the members.
Proposals should contain a concise, accessible outline of the methodology to be used, including how information will be analysed. Where appropriate, proposals should include the techniques used to generate the appropriate data
Outputs
A report identifying best practices and recommendations
Confidential reports to individual institutes who are identified as needing to develop their equality practices
Project Duration
Commencement of contract: June 2005
Report – November 2005
Tender timescale
Closing date for receipt of proposals 24th May
Confirmation of shortlist – 31st May
Presentation to panel – 7th June
Phase one – research to report – June – November 2005
Phase two – Event and action planning Dec – March 2006
Budget
£20,000 (inclusive of expenses, exclusive of VAT where applicable)
Requirements
Proposals must include a written research proposal detailing the following:
A summary of the research proposal;
Research methodology (s) to be employed, justification and how analysis will be conducted and reported on;
A research plan that specifies how and when the different stages of the research will be carried out;
Project management (including full details for leadership of the work);
CV’s of the lead researchers involved indicating their credentials and track record in this gender and race fields;
Description of admin and technical costs;
Examples of past work;
A breakdown of the budget.
Evaluation of submissions will be based on the following criteria:
Understanding of the research brief
Understanding of the work involved
Feasibility of the approach suggested
Potential to make a significant contribution to the gender and diversity profile and practices of the member Institutes
Displays understanding and familiarity with salient issues and the relevant literature
· Evidence of ability to deliver on time
· Clarity and description of milestones
· Credibility of research team involved
· Track record
· Value for money
Annette Williams
Director
UK Resource centre for Women in SET
a.williams@bradfordcollege.ac.uk
Tel: 01274 433113
Dr Kristy MacDonald
Deputy Director
Science Council
kristy.macdonald@sciencecouncil.org
Tel: 020 7611 8755