Equality and diversity

The University of Northampton is committed to ensuring that all students, staff, visitors, and others we have contact with are treated fairly, equitably and with dignity and respect; we celebrate the diversity of our university (and wider society) and work to ensure that the human rights of all are enhanced and protected.

Equality and diversity work at The University of Northampton is the responsibility of all staff and students but it is overseen by an Equality and Diversity Advisor.

There is also a member of the Human Resources department responsible for Equality and Diversity issues.

We also have a formal Equality and Diversity Action Committee, with membership drawn from senior management.

Equality and diversity issues are the responsibility of many different people at the University, in a variety of different contexts. The following may be of assistance in finding who to best approach if you want specific information, advice or support.

Staff training and professional development

• All staff are expected to complete a basic e-learning package on equality and diversity. This is offered by the Human Resources department and they will contact staff directly (in particularly new staff) and invite them to complete this programme. Arrangements are made for those who cannot readily access a computer
• There is also a course offered for all mangers at the University ("Managing Diversity")
• In addition you may find the NILE web-area on equality and diversity useful. This has been developed to support staff and students who want information on equality and diversity issues. You may find this a useful "starting point" for any studies or work you are undertaking with an equality and diversity component
• If you need support or advice in order to undertake an equality analysis (previously called an equality impact assessment), contact the Equality and Diversity Advisor. There is also information available on the Equality Analysis web page

Participation and involvement in issues relating to equality and diversity

• The University has established a Diversity Champions Group that is open to all staff and students who would like to be involved in equality and diversity issues. For more information about this contact the University's Equality and Diversity Advisor (contact details above)
• Campus trade unions (UCU and UNISON) have a keen interest in equality and diversity issues and the University and College Union (UCU) has a dedicated Equality Officer. Contact UCU and/or UNISON for more information if you wish to be involved in their work around equality and diversity
• During the academic year various "parts" of the University may organise events or activities that have an equality and diversity focus, for example an annual week-long Diversity festival, in the past we have also commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day, Black History Month and Lesbian and Gay History month. If you would like to help organise or support these (or new) initiatives, please contact the Equality and Diversity Advisor (contact details above)
• There is also an active cross-university Equality and Diversity Research Group, Chaired by Professor Andy Pilkington, which looks at developing the University's research and academic work on equality and diversity. It also organises lectures, seminars and conferences around equality and diversity themes to encourage discussion, debate and dialogue. For more information about joining this group, contact the Equality and Diversity Advisor (details above)

Harassment, bullying or 'hate' incidents

If you feel that you have been subject to harassment, discrimination or less favourable treatment - due to your disability, race/ethnicity/nationality, gender, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, or you are being harassed for no apparent reason

• You may initially wish to discuss any issues with your immediate line manger, your HR manger and/or your trade union
• You can also get other advice and/or make a report online at www.northampton.ac.uk/harassment

 

Supporting disabled students and staff

• Each School and department at the University has a Disability Co-ordinator. Their role is to advise staff regarding any disability related issue, either staff or student-related. (Remember: do not disclose the name of any disabled student or staff unless you have consent to do so - see the guidance on this: "Disability Disclosure and Confidentiality")
• If you want advice in respect of supporting or teaching individual disabled students, or advice on what reasonable adjustments may be required, you may also wish to contact the Access Ability Team. The team can be emailed on disability@northampton.ac.uk
• The University currently runs small mentoring schemes for disabled and Black and Ethnic Minority students in conjunction with the National Mentoring Consortium. For more information about this contact the Careers and Employability Service
• The University has a guide for managers in how to support disabled staff

International students

• In the context of supporting international students, there is an International Student Advisor based in the Student Centre at Park Campus

Religion, faith or belief

• If you would like information about how you can participate in faith activities at the University you can contact the Chaplaincy team. The needs of most, if not all, religious or faith traditions (for example various Christian denominations, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Baha'i) can be met, or contact lists are held for external groups or organisations
• Staff who are Humanists or atheists, or who hold other beliefs, can also contact the Chaplaincy for advice and may be put in contact with others within the University, or external organisations, respecting their belief system(s)
• There is a University calendar of religious events and festivals available on the University website

Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans staff

• Currently there is not a staff network for LGBT staff. However, the HR department would like to support such an initiative
• You can also contact the University's Equality and Diversity Advisor on 01604 893887. They may be able to 'sign-post' you to the appropriate part of the University in respect of any issue you have

University policies and procedures on equality and diversity

In recent years the University has produced a number of policies and procedures relating to Equality and Diversity issues:

View equality and diversity policies and procedures.

Statement of Compliance (Equality Act 2010)

 

The following statement has been approved in the context of new legal requirements placed on the University by the Equality Act 2010.

Equality and Diversity: Statement of Compliance