An Inclusive Employee Lifecycle

Gender and Gender Identity/Reassignment/Confirmation

• We have guidance and procedures for supporting Trans Staff, along with Support for Transgender Students.
• We aim to create a working culture that supports non-binary employee inclusion - We remind colleagues about the importance of sharing of pronouns to show our support for our non-binary community.
• We support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
• We have a University Bronze Athena Swan Award by Advance HE.
• The Gender Staff and Rainbow Staff Networks are actively involved in consultation, projects and events across the University.
• Resources are shared on International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBLIT).
• We developed (Trans Day of Visibility (TDoV) guidance and resources, celebrating with gender diverse people all around the world by sharing stories, starting conversations, and participating in activities.

Religion or Belief

• The Chaplaincy Service provide support to employees of faith but also of no faith along with access to other activities that provide development opportunities. You can find information on where to access prayer space on campus as well.
• Our Diversity Calendar identifies major religious festivals/holidays that are important to our employees and students. We are mindful of these dates when planning any activities, meetings, events or tasks.
• We provide clear Guidance for staff and line managers on how to support colleagues during Ramadan.
• The University’s Race Staff Network also supports employees with any religion-based matters and activities.

Working Parents and Carers

• Carers Passport – providing a framework to support employees to balance their caring responsibilities with their work.
• Working Parents and Carers Staff Network: hosts lots of resources. The forum also has done some insightful work of how to deal with pregnancy and baby loss.
• Family Friendly and Flexible Leave Policies: policies and guidance related to family friendly practices and flexible leave as well as the locations of the feeding spaces on University Campus. The provisions in place are for both employees and students.
• Through the Parental Support Hub, the University provides a range of options to ensure that colleagues are supported with family life.
• Every year, during Carers Week, the organisation raises awareness of caring, highlights the challenges unpaid carers face and recognises their contribution to families and communities.  

Disability, Long-term ill-health, Mental Health and Neurodiversity

We have checklists and guidance to support employees and line managers and help them:

• be aware of the type of support available for employees at the University.
• understand what reasonable adjustments can be made in the workplace to maximise the potential of disabled employees.
• be confident about managing colleagues.
• know where to go for more detailed help or advice.

The University’s Neuro-Inclusive Workplace Guidance aims to support managers and employees to build a neurodiversity-friendly workplace. It provides advice on terminology, factsheets about neurodivergent conditions and outlines strengths and potential weaknesses. It provides practical ways, plus access to an on-line training webinar recording to adjust the workplace environment in order to empower neurodivergent colleagues to reach their full potential. 

The Disabled Staff Network is a supported group for employees to join and connect.