Equality and Diversity Policy
The University of Bristol is intent on advancing equality and diversity as key features within all its activities, as it believes this to be ethically right and socially responsible. Equality and diversity are essential factors that contribute to the academic and economic strengths of the University.
The University’s Equality and Diversity Policy provides for coordination and implementation at a strategic level and is supported by additional policies1 that provide for a University-wide integrated approach to equality and diversity.
Commitment to equality and diversity
The University of Bristol believes that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. We aim to create an environment that respects the diversity of staff and students and enables them to achieve their full potential: to contribute fully, and to derive maximum benefit and enjoyment from their involvement in the life of the University.
To this end, the University acknowledges the following basic rights for all members and prospective members of its community:
- to be treated with respect and dignity;
- to be treated fairly with regard to all procedures, assessments and choices;
- to receive encouragement to reach their full potential.
These rights carry with them responsibilities and the University requires all members of the community to recognise these rights and to act in accordance with them in all dealings with fellow members of the University. In addition, the University will comply with all relevant legislation and good practice.
No individual will be unjustifiably discriminated against. This includes, but not exclusively, on the basis of gender, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religious or political beliefs, disability, marital status, social background, family circumstance, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, spent criminal convictions, age or for any other reason.
Responsibility
Council, the University’s governing body, has overall responsibility for ensuring that the University of Bristol operates within a framework of equality of opportunity.
A Pro Vice-Chancellor will be charged specifically with duties relating to equality and diversity. This person will also be responsible for keeping the Vice-Chancellor informed of all developments made in this area.
The University has an Equality and Diversity Manager to co-ordinate related activities, facilitate developments and to communicate responsibilities to appropriate staff within the University.
The University recognises that all of its staff and students have a duty to support and uphold the principles contained in its Equality and Diversity Policy and supporting policies. The commitment of all members of the University’s community is required to make the policy a success.
Implementation
The Equality and Diversity Committee, a Committee of Council, will have ultimate responsibility for ensuring implementation of those policies that are related to equality and diversity.
Personnel Services have produced a People Strategy, which further supports the University’s commitment to equality of opportunity.
Communication
The Equality and Diversity Policy is available to all staff and students of the University, both in hard copy and on the University web site. If alternative formats of the Policy are required, please contact the Equality and Diversity Manager.
The Equality and Diversity Committee will, from time to time, supplement approved University policy with codes of practice or guidelines on behaviour and these will be disseminated to the relevant members of staff.
Complaints
Any complaint will be taken seriously and dealt with in a timely and sensitive manner, in accordance with the appropriate grievance and disciplinary procedure. Copies of the staff grievance policy can be obtained from Personnel Services (http://www.bristol.ac.uk/Depts/Personnel/policies/). The student complaints, grievance and appeals procedures are available in the Rules and Regulations for Students booklet, and can be accessed at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/Depts/Secretary/srrtofc.htm.
1These include policies on Race Equality, Disability and Dignity at Work and Study, as well as the Disability and Gender Equality Schemes, the University's People Strategy, and the Widening Participation Strategy. [back]