Our Culture

Respect, support and inclusion

On this page

Code of Conduct | School Governance | Work Life Balance

In the About section of this website

Code of Coduct

In the School of Anthropology & Museum Ethnography, we are committed to establishing an inclusive and supportive culture in which all staff and students feel welcomed, accepted and given a voice, irrespective of individual and group difference. We each have a responsibility to create an environment where everyone feels equally valued. The School Code of Conduct sets out standards of behaviour and good practice expected from its members, as well as visitors and contractors.

If you feel expectations of respectful behaviour are not being met, please act:

If you experience or witness any form of bullying or harassment, make it clear that such behaviour is unacceptable. But only if you feel it's safe for you to do so. Your safety and wellbeing are paramount.
Contact the Harassment Advisory Service, or one of SAME's harassment advisors. Details of the School Harassment Advisers can be found online or on the posters placed around the School.
Check the Equality & Diversity Unit's Harassment Advice for resources and support, including the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service.
Ask your line manager or a neutral colleague (e.g. HR) to raise the matter on your behalf.
Make a formal complaint under the appropriate procedure.

It's equally important that we take responsibility for and are mindful of our own words and behaviour towards others, especially if we are in a relationship of unequal power. Being open to learning and to receiving constructive feedback is critical to creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone. If you feel you need support in this area:

See People and Organisational Development for resources on personal development, coaching and mentoring, leadership/management and organisational development, and practical support.
Speak with someone you trust, or consider approaching a counsellor/therapist privately or through the University's counselling service for students or staff.
Ask your line manager or a neutral colleague (e.g. HR) for support.

In all instances, you're welcome to speak confidentially with the Head of Administration and Finance or Head of School.

Governance

Academic Officers

2026-27

Role	Name
Head of SAME	Clare Harris
Director of ISCA	tbc
Director of Human Sciences	Thomas Cousins
Director of InSIS	Javier Lezaun
Director of CSSC	Harvey Whitehouse
Director of COMPAS	Michael Keith
Director of Graduate Studies	Elizabeth Ewart
Director of Research	Alpa Shah
Chair of School Forum	Nathan Grassi

There are numerous opportunities to become involved with the administration of the School and the size of the tasks vary.

Examples of Roles:

Head of School
Director of Unit
Director of Graduate Studies
Chair of Graduate Admissions
Chair of Human Sciences Admissions
Chair of Arch & Anth Admissions
Chair of Examiners
Doctoral Admissions and Research
Convenor
REF Coordinator
Coordinator of Methods Modules
Chair of School Committee (Research,
Working Life, School Forum, IT, Library)
Harassment Advisor
Members of CUREC Committee
Student Awards Committee member
Course Directors and Examiners

Graduate Joint Consultative Committee

The Graduate Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meets once a term, and consists of student representatives from each of the graduate degrees and volunteer members from the staff body. It provides a forum for discussion and negotiation between the students and staff concerning a range of matters that arise throughout the year. Points for the agenda are suggested by students and staff, but the JCC is always chaired by a student. Recent issues that have been raised include student involvement with the School Seminar, the structure of various lectures, the provision of common room amenities including a microwave and lockers, the re-writing of the Handbooks, and the fostering of links between the various degrees. The JCC is closely linked to the OUAS, and it is hoped that through these forums, any issue may be appropriately considered. Post-fieldwork DPhil students should make desk requests to the JCC Chair, who's responsible for the allocation.

Work - Life balance

The School is mindful of the fact that staff and students may have wider responsibilities and that such responsibilities may affect work and study. Staff and students are encouraged to discuss their specific needs with their supervisors, line managers and/or Head of School.

For further details on University provision please see pages the University staff information pages for parents and carers. Information for student parents is available on the University's student welfare and wellbeing pages.