The University has launched a new Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy. The policy sets out the University’s commitment to creating an inclusive community, where everyone feels that they belong and which is free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.
The policy replaces the Dignity at Work and Study, Equal Opportunities, Religion and Belief, and Gender Dysphoria policies.
What’s different?
- A holistic approach: The policy applies to all students, staff, individuals working for or with the University, and members of the public when they visit or access services provided by the University.
- Recognised characteristics: Gender Identity and Socioeconomic Background are valued equally to the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
- Meeting your needs: The policy outlines the many ways the University supports people with different needs, including reasonable adjustments and designated spaces for prayer and reflection.
- Report and Support: Members of the University who experience or witness unfair treatment can access support through Report and Support. The service will be our main way of recording and supporting instances of unfair treatment.
- Equality Impact Assessments: The policy sets out our commitment to using Equality Impact Assessments to ensure decisions on policies, changing a process, procedure, or service are inclusive.
What’s next?
We encourage all staff and line managers to visit and explore the new Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour SharePoint site that includes guidance on key areas of the policy. The site covers the core information that staff need to know for now, and we will be adding more guidance and resources for supporting students, visitors and contractors over the coming months.
The policy was adopted on 1 August 2024, and will supersede the Dignity at Work and Study, Equal Opportunities, Religion and Belief and Gender Identity policies when applying our employment procedures from 2 January 2025.
If you have any questions about the policy, or have suggestions for improving the guidance, please get in touch with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team.