Together at UON
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Freedom of Speech
Together@UON, we are proud to champion a culture that values diversity, promotes inclusivity and respects the dignity and rights of every individual.
We are guided by the Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010, we uphold the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 and follow guidance from the Office for Students, ensuring that freedom of speech and academic freedom are protected within the law for our students, staff and visiting speakers.
We believe that inclusion and freedom of expression go hand in hand. By embracing both, we create a vibrant, supportive, safe and intellectually open environment where everyone can thrive.
Declaration From Professor Anne-Marie Kilday, Vice Chancellor.
I am proud to be Vice Chancellor of an institution that values and promotes inclusivity and freedom of speech. I pledge my support to both staff and students to ensure under my leadership, that the University of Northampton continues to work together to create a fair, safe and inclusive environment where all individuals can excel.
Pledges and Commitments
In September 2019 the University extended our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme by signing up to level 2 and becoming a Disability Confident employer.
Previously known as the Two Ticks scheme, this is a voluntary scheme and involves self-assessment against statements relating to recruiting, retaining and developing disabled people and developing our people. Not only does this help disabled people and those with long term health conditions have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations but it enables the University to access the valuable skills which disabled people can bring to the University.
To find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/
Our commitment is to support Estranged Students through our Access and Participation Plan:
- A financial bursary for estranged students supporting their undergraduate studies
- A room in University-owned accommodation is guaranteed for all new, full-time and first year students, with flexible, year-round tenancies available.
- Access to reactive mental health services and counselling.
- Discount on postgraduate course fees.
The University Leadership Team adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism in November 2021. For more information about the IHRA and the working definition of anti-Semitism please access the IHRA webpages.
Following the recent UK Supreme Court ruling, we recognise the uncertainty, anxiety and distress this has caused for many trans individuals across the UK.
At the University of Northampton, we stand with the trans community. We are committed, as far as reasonably practicable, to ensuring that our values, spaces and services remain inclusive, accessible and affirming for all and support student and staff groups which bring together LGBT+ people and their allies.
As an institution dedicated to fairness and inclusion, we believe that trans people have the right to safety, respect and full participation in society without fear and we reaffirm our commitment to trans rights, dignity and equality. As a University Leadership Team, we promote and encourage our colleagues, students and allies to uphold these principles and we will take all reasonable practicable steps to secure free speech for all members of our community.
To all trans people, we stand with you. You deserve safety, respect and the opportunity to thrive – now and always.