Equality and Diversity Policy Statement
The University of Aberdeen is committed to a comprehensive policy on Equality and Diversity for all its staff and students. This policy aims to prevent discriminatory practices and seeks to create a culture where staff and students can reach their full potential.
It is the University’s policy to select and treat staff and students on the basis of their merits only and irrespective of colour, race, nationality, national origins, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, family circumstances, political beliefs, gender, gender reassignment, trade union membership, age or any other unfair distinction.
The University is committed to providing a learning, working and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its members are respected, and which is free from discrimination, prejudice, intimidation and all forms of harassment and bullying.
This Equality and Diversity Policy will be monitored and reviewed by the University regularly and promoted throughout the University.
Equality and Diversity Code for Staff and Students
1. Introduction
The University is committed to working towards creating a working and learning environment which is free from discrimination, harassment and prejudice.
This Code is intended to create a culture where all forms of discriminatory behaviour are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
2. Responsibilities
- The Joint Committee on Equal Opportunities has overall responsibility for the implementation of the Equality and Diversity Policy. The University Court, the Vice Principal with responsibility for Equality and Diversity, the Equal Opportunities Adviser and Senior Disability Adviser have specific responsibilities in relation to compliance with legislation and promotion of equality and diversity.
- The University expects all staff and students to behave in accordance with the Equality and Diversity Policy.
- All University staff and students are covered by the Equality and Diversity policy.
- Staff who line manage others have a duty to ensure the Equality and Diversity policy is communicated to their team.
- Senior members of staff and Heads of School have a responsibility to ensure their departments are aware of the Equality and Diversity Policy.
3. Application
The University will apply the Equality and Diversity Policy to all areas of employment including:
- Recruitment and selection of staff
- Promotion opportunities
- Evaluation of jobs and grading
- Training and development opportunities
- Discipline and grievance procedures
- Redundancy procedures
- Dismissals
The University will apply the Equality and Diversity Policy to its relationship with students including:
- Access and admission to courses
- Delivery of Student Support Services
- The content of the curriculum and teaching styles
- Assessment
- Accommodation
Where staff or students have particular requirements related to Equality and Diversity these will be dealt with objectively and accommodated where reasonable and practicable.
4. Implementation
The University undertakes to:
- develop and implement an Equality and Diversity Strategy
- monitor the impact of the Equality and Diversity Policy on a regular basis
- investigate alleged breaches of the Policy under the University’s disciplinary procedures
- keep the remit, composition and membership of the Joint Committee on Equal Opportunities and its sub-committees under review
- Inform staff and students where the Equality and Diversity Policy can be found e.g. on the University’s website
- Establish meaningful communication and consultation mechanisms with staff and students.
5. Positive action
The University may take positive action where appropriate to increase the representation from people from particular groups that have previously been under represented in the University community.
