Equal Opportunities - Introduction
Equal opportunity in employment is central to the University at every level and it is important that equality principles form part of good practice in every aspect of dealing with staff. The University is committed to achieving an educational and working environment which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination on the grounds of race religion, sex, class, sexual orientation, age, disability or special need. The University has made a commitment to foster an environment where staff and students can work and live to fulfil their potential.
Staff in Human Resources play a critical role in developing, maintaining and supporting equal opportunities in employment. It is vital that all other university employees take individual responsibility to integrate equal opportunities into the range of their activities – all staff have a legal and personal responsibility to uphold the University’s equal opportunity policies.
Equality of opportunity is not just concerned with the recruitment of staff, but in every aspect of the employment relationship including training, promotion, performance management, the disciplinary procedure, induction, probation, appraisal and communication. Providing equality of opportunity means changing behaviour and attitudes to facilitate the recognition of the potential of all in the workforce, to treat people fairly on the basis of individual need and to build a workforce which is diverse and reflects the community.
The University has made provision to assist staff make progress in this important area:
Equality and Diversity Sub Committee (formerly the Equal Opportunity Sub Committee) reports to the HRC, which reports to Council and is chaired by the Chief Operating Officer.
A variety of training courses on equality and diversity and related matters organised through Staff Development