Equal Opportunities

(see also: Bullying and Harassment; Disability Discrimination Act; Disability Statement; Race Equality)

Univeristy Commitment

The University is committed to promoting equality, diversity and an inclusive and supportive environment for its students, staff and others closely associated with the University. We seek to maximise the potential of all our students and to equip our students for life in a multicultural and diverse society.

It is our aim to provide a supportive environment where everyone will be treated with dignity, and respect. The University has an Equal Opportunities Policy, a Code of Practice for Harassment Prevention (Equal Opportunities Policy and Supporting Documents page 6) and a Race Equality Policy which demonstrates the University’s continuing commitment to implementing and promoting measures to protect the dignity of all our students and staff and to encourage respect for others. As a student, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have read and understood the above policies.

Northumbria University has a ‘duty of care’ to safeguard and promote the welfare of its students and members of staff. Therefore, we strive to create a work and study environment, free from unfairness and discrimination, by dealing effectively with any complaints of such conduct. Northumbria University will not tolerate unfairness or discrimination in any way, shape or form. The University’s Equal Opportunities Policy/Race Equality Policy applies to all students and staff, whatever their backgrounds or beliefs, everyone who joins the University community is expected to comply.

In particular, the University will:

Seek to ensure that people are treated equitably regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, trade union activity or any other inappropriate or irrelevant distinction.
Promote diversity in its students and staff by recognising the particular contributions to the achievement of the University's mission that can be made by individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive study and work environment.

The University acknowledges that higher education has an important part to play in making equal opportunities really work for all members of our society. Northumbria University depends upon the contributions of people of different backgrounds who bring a wide range of experiences to the University community. The Equal Opportunities Policy and the Race Equality Policy recognises that these differences (or this ‘diversity’) should be seen as something positive, that should be valued.

Responsibility

It is your responsibility to make yourself aware of the impact of personal behaviour that could cause offence to another student or member of staff and make them feel uncomfortable or threatened. Discrimination is behaviour that is destructive to a positive work and study environment and will not be tolerated.

Complaints procedure

The University believes that breaches of its equal opportunities framework is a form of less favourable treatment that violates human rights and can poison the working and learning environment. Any member of staff, student, or potential member of the University can make a complaint under the equal opportunities framework. The University considers behaviour in breach of its policies on the grounds of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, trade union activity or any other inappropriate or irrelevant distinction to be misconduct, and will be dealt with under the relevant disciplinary procedures. The Students' Union Deputy President and the Welfare & International Support Advisers in Student Services are available to advise students on these procedures. If you feel you have been discriminated against we would recommend that you read through the Complaints Procedures outlined in the Handbook of Student Regulations (section 9), you should also seek advice from Welfare & International Support or the Deputy President of the Students’ Union at the earliest possible stage.

What to do if you feel you have been unfairly treated

If you feel that you are being subjected to unfair treatment, you should not feel that it is your fault or that you have to tolerate it.
If it is at all possible, you should make it clear to the person, or persons causing the offence, that such behaviour is unacceptable to you. Be specific so that the person knows exactly what you want to stop or change. If you wish, take someone with you for support.
If you feel unable to tackle the person concerned, this does not imply that you consent to the unfair treatment, nor does it prejudice any complaint you may wish to bring.
It is helpful to keep a record of events which distress you, and the effects that they have had on you.
Always feel able to get support from Welfare & International Support in Student Services or from the Students' Union Deputy President.

Management will respond to complaints of harassment or bullying and will deal with all complaints in an expeditious and supportive manner. If someone experiences unwanted offensive treatment, and makes a complaint through the complaints procedure, she/he will be protected from any victimisation resulting from the complaint. It is also the responsibility of all students and staff to make themselves familiar with this policy and procedure and to treat their peers and/or colleagues with respect and dignity.

Disciplinary action

Breach of the University policy on bullying and harassment can be grounds for disciplinary action, from a verbal warning up to and including dismissal/withdrawal from the University for serious offences.

Who to contact for help

Students’ Union
Student Support and Wellbeing