Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Equality diversity and inclusion statement

Oxford Brookes University has adopted equality, diversity and inclusion as core values and places all its policy development in the context of the objectives of:

ensuring that all individuals who come into contact with the University, whether as employees, students or in other capacities, are treated with dignity and respect
ensuring that the opportunities the University provides for learning, personal development and employment are made available on a non-discriminatory basis
providing a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors.

The University seeks through all its policies and actions to be a genuinely inclusive organisation, and draws for this on good practice throughout the Higher Education sector and in the wider economy. The objective is to integrate the principles of equal treatment and promotion of diversity into all aspects of the University’s day-to-day life.

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Defining equality, diversity and inclusion

Equal treatment involves much more than simply treating everyone alike; it requires a recognition that some groups and individuals have particular and specific needs that need to be met if they are to enjoy equal access to the services offered by the University. We recognise that the University may need to provide its services in a range of different or more flexible ways, in order to ensure genuine equality of access or opportunity for groups and individuals who approach those services from a position of persistent and longstanding disadvantage.

Valuing diversity involves an acknowledgement of the benefits and intrinsic worth derived from the range of difference within our community, and fostering it as a strength. We aim to celebrate and to value the differences between individuals’ cultural, social and intellectual contribution to the University and will seek to promote greater mutual understanding between groups and individuals who reflect these differences, and will seek to utilise the talents and experiences that each and every individual can bring to the institution.

Inclusion involves the University and its staff in designing and operating flexible services, practices and procedures that take appropriate account of the needs of students, staff and visitors. For example all aspects of the University experience must be accessible to people with the range of disabilities that are found in large higher education institutions.

Legal framework

The University endorses wholeheartedly the principles of the Equality Act 2010 and is committed to the positive promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion amongst all members of the University community. To achieve this the University will:

ensure that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the conduct of the University’s work
advance equality of opportunity between people who share the ‘protected characteristics’ that are listed below, and all other members of the University community
foster positive relations between people who share the ‘protected characteristics’ and those who do not.

The University will give protection against unfair discrimination on the grounds of:

age
disability
ethnicity (including race, colour and nationality)
sex
gender reassignment
marriage or civil partnership
pregnancy or maternity
religion, belief
sexual orientation.

The University recognises that equality issues are complex, and that it has responsibilities to others, including, but not limited to, people with caring responsibilities and students who are leaving local authority care.

Scope

The University is a large and functionally diverse organisation operating in a local, national and international context. We expect all staff, students, visitors, external examiners, partners and contractors to behave in accordance with this policy and to have regard for the University’s values. The principles of equality, diversity and inclusion apply to the way in which staff and students should treat each other, and to all visitors, contractors, sub-contractors, service providers, suppliers, former staff and students and any other persons associated with the functions of the University. However, it is acknowledged that some of the international contexts in which the University operates may place restrictions on the extent to which this policy can govern the practices of partners and contractors.

Roles and responsibilities

The University will:

ensure that the Vice-Chancellor’s Group will establish an Advisory Group consisting of:
ensure that the Advisory Group is chaired by a senior member of the University staff who is designated as responsible for the implementation of statement of University policy
require the Advisory Group to produce the University’s Annual Equality Report including recommendations for action
ensure the annual Equality Report is considered for comment and action by a wide range of University Boards and Committees designed to better achieve the objectives identified by the University
ensures that its Access and Participation Plan and all future contractual agreements fully reflect and embrace its commitment to its core values of equality, diversity and inclusion
ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion issues are a standing and/ or regular item on the agendas of Faculty Senior Management Teams (SMTs), Directorate SMTs and Faculty Academic Enhancement and Standards Committees with staff equality issues being taken forward for action by Human Resources Business Partners in association with PVC Deans and Directors.

Managers will:

ensure that the aims and the values embodied in this policy statement are appropriately reflected in all job descriptions, person specifications and annual personal development reviews
have due regard to equality issues in all decision-making
investigate whether any groups, including people with ’protected characteristics’, have particular needs in relation to accessing services
ensure that due consideration is given to equality, diversity and inclusion within their own sphere of influence
promote an environment where respect is shown to all, and mutual understanding is fostered
challenge any actions or behaviour which is in conflict with the values and principles laid down in this policy
ensure staff and students know how to report any instances of discrimination, bullying and harassment without fear of victimisation
deal with complaints fairly, thoroughly, quickly and confidentially.

Teaching staff will:

promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all learning settings
develop student understanding and realisation of equality, diversity and inclusion.

All members of the University community will:

ensure understanding of this policy and seek guidance if there are any questions
promote equality, diversity and inclusion for others and strive to create a safe supportive and welcoming environment
challenge inappropriate behaviour or discrimination
report unacceptable behaviour in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures.

Visitors

All visitors to the University, together with those contracted to work at, or for, the University (including those with honorary contracts) will be expected to comply with this policy whilst on campus or in their execution of University business.

Our evidence based approach

Our evidence-based approach to increasing equality, diversity and inclusion at Oxford Brookes uses monitoring data, user feedback and research to inform and improve our future practice.

Monitoring

We will annually assess the effectiveness on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy through collection and analysis of data to produce annual reports to the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Committee, Academic Board, Vice-Chancellor’s Group and the Board of Governors. Data, conclusions and recommendations will feed into the University’s strategic planning cycle.

In order to achieve this, the University will annually publish data and details including, but not limited to:

its equality, diversity and inclusion objectives and action plan.
the profile of the staff and student population across a range of the University’s ‘protected characteristics’ (transgender profiles are not published);
student applications, acceptances, progression and attainment of degrees across a range of the protected characteristics;
recruitment and selection of staff;
complaints, linked to the range of protected characteristics, including harassment and bullying, grievances and disciplinary proceedings for staff and students;
staff equality training.

Consultation

The University seeks to foster the active involvement of students and staff in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across the many functions of the University, using feedback from students and staff, including any complaints, to identify how the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion can be more effectively realised.

Equality research

The University will use and draw upon research undertaken by the Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice and other organisations including Advance HE.

Further information and guidance within the University:

Review and Update Arrangements

The policy will be reviewed regularly and may also be amended from time to time to reflect and take account of changes in legislation and best practice.

This policy replaces all previous equality and diversity policies within Oxford Brookes University including the Single Equality Policy.

Comments on the policy and its implementation should be passed to EDIstaff@brookes.ac.uk.

This policy is available in alternative formats on request, please email: EDIstaff@brookes.ac.uk.