Equal opportunities and diversity

The Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development

  • implements equal opportunities based on the Agreement on the Promotion of Equal Opportunities, which also forms the basis for the work of the Equal Opportunities Officers
  • applies the equal opportunities standards of the Leibniz Association
  • has an equal opportunities plan, which is updated and continued at least every two years
  • elects an Equal Opportunities Officer and her deputy every four years, who are actively involved in the Institute's policies
  • pays attention to gender balance when appointing staff and promoting young academics
  • allows flexitime, telecommuting and advocates family-friendly meeting times
  • supports its staff in finding individual solutions to reconcile family and work (including caring for family members)
  • is involved in networks for equal opportunities, the advancement of women and career development
  • conducts projects on gender mainstreaming in spatial sciences in the Knowledge Integration Hub (Gender in Spatial Research and GiB_Raum)
  • has had its initiatives and efforts objectively assessed and received the Total E-Quality certificate for the fourth time in 2021, again with the addition of diversity.

Diversity at the IOER

The IOER address the concept of Diversity by looking at the dimensions gender, age, ethnic origin, social origin and conditions of life, religion/belief, health/disability and sexual identity. Nevertheless, we are aware that a person's personality is made up of many more facets than the six dimensions listed.

The disability dimension is supported at the IOER by the elected representation of the interests of severely disabled employees and employees with equal rights. Here, it is our concern to support those affected in their professional participation and to protect them from disadvantages in the employment relationship. In the application process, severely disabled applicants and those with equal status are generally invited to an interview, provided their qualification is not obviously unsuitable for the advertised position.

Certificate

In 2021, the IOER was awarded the "Total E-Quality" certificate (in German) for equal opportunities in business and science for the fourth time in a row - and again with the additional certificate "Diversity".

The jury particularly highlighted the fact that "the large number of precisely tailored measures set standards for the Leibniz Association in many areas and the jury was impressed by the participatory culture on the topics of equality and diversity.

  • The measures taken by the IOER include:
  • the strategic and institutional anchoring of equality and diversity in the new mission statement
  • the equal opportunities design of job appointments
  •  the culture of communication
  • the working groups "Equal Opportunities" and "Diversity"
  • the inclusion of diversity aspects in research.

The "Total E-Quality" rating can be reapplied for every three years. The IOER was awarded it for the first time in 2012.

Self-commitment

The IOER also signed the "Charta der Vielfalt" in 2018. In doing so, we commit ourselves to, among other things:
Cultivate an organisational culture characterised by mutual respect and appreciation of every individual, recognise the diversity of society within and outside the organisation, inform our employees about diversity and involve them in the implementation of the Charter.

 

The Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development is jointly funded by the federal government and the federal states.

FS Sachsen

This measure is co-financed by tax funds on the basis of the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.