Policies :: Equal Opportunities Policy

Statement

This Union is committed to the provision of equality of opportunities for all. It will strive to ensure equal opportunities for all regardless of: age, colour, ethnic or national origin, caring responsibility, sex, partnership status, religion, sexual orientation or identity, socio-economic status or background, disability or special need, HIV status, student status, political belief or trade union activity.

This Union will work proactively to increase inclusivity and involvement of students who are typically underrepresented or marginalized.

This Union recognises that there are groups who experience prejudice and exclusion in wider society and that additionally there are those within the University community who experience exclusion.

The Union will be aware of the needs and experience of its membership and will aim to portray that image in all the work it does.

USSU is committed to a working and learning environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation or unlawful harassment as defined by the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Race Relations Act 1976. For the purposes of the USSU Equal opportunities Policy, these definitions will be extended to cover discrimination on any of the bases noted above.

The Union will work in conjunction with the Equal Opportunities policy of the University. The Union will strive for a more comprehensive and inclusive University equal opportunities policy.

No help, support, or patronage will be given to those groups which directly contravene this equal opportunities policy.

These Standing Orders will apply to all aspects of Union activity, including SUSUS Ltd. It will apply to all those involved in USSU, including students, staff, visitors, clients, contractors and potential as well as existing employees.

Responsibility

Overall responsibility lies with the President and the General Manager

All members and staff of the USSU are responsible for their own behaviour and should strive to ensure Equal Opportunities within their department. They may be held personally accountable should any complaint arise relating to them.

Provision

This Union understands that the needs of different groups vary and will therefore strive to provide according to need, which in some circumstances will result in different provisions.

USSU recognises the need for liberation groups (women, black and LGBT students) to have organisational autonomy and 'safe space'.

USSU is committed to ensuring that its services are available to those students with special needs. Where offices are inaccessible, staff and elected officers will endeavour to find alternative space for meetings and events in order not to exclude any interested party. Any alterations to, and/or development of the workplace, shall occur with access as a priority.