New ARMA Global Majority special interest group launched

We are pleased to announce the formation of the first ever Global Majority special interest group (SIG).

Global Majority is an emerging term, introduced in 2003. It is a global descriptor for those who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Colour. The SIG was proposed as a response to the challenges faced by research managers and administrators (RMA) in the UK who identify as part of the Global Majority. The challenges these individuals face in higher education include significant obstacles in career advancement, underrepresentation at higher salary grades, and a disproportionate responsibility for initiating and maintaining equality, diversity, and inclusion committees and groups within their organisations and the wider sector.

The Global Majority SIG aims to provide a forum for discussion and support for those who self-identify as Global Majority. It is open to all research managers and administrators (both members and non-members) in the UK who self-identify as Global Majority and have an interest in networking with others who identify likewise. It will be an informal, principled space for RMAs who identify as Global Majority to meet and discuss their unique interests, challenges and opportunities within UK research management and administration.

The activities of the SIG will be led by SIG Champions: Mary Caspillo-Brewer (Imperial College London), Anpu Varghese (University of Aberdeen) and Natalie Wall (King’s College London).

The SIG Champions said, ‘We are excited to see ARMA invest in a group of people making vital contributions to research management and administration in the UK. As members of the Global Majority ourselves, we want to create a supportive and innovative space for ARMA members and non-members alike to build each other up.’

ARMA SIGs provide a platform for members to connect, address challenges, share good practice, and create a transparent and supportive structure, both for those members working within the specialism and for those who want to increase their knowledge. The SIG champions will work together to plan and deliver 2-3 information-sharing events each calendar year, as well as curating SIG resources on the ARMA website and facilitating discussions on the SIG JiscMail list.

If you are a research manager or administrator from a Global Majority background and are interested in participating in the SIG’s activities, click the link to learn about the SIG and join the mailing list: https://arma.ac.uk/dashboard/network/special-interest-groups/global-majority-nonmembers/