Introducing the Equality and Diversity Adviser and Equality and Diversity Issues

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• Introducing the Equality and Diversity Adviser
  and Equality and Diversity Issues
• Alexandra Muir-Mackenzie

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• Responsibilities of post
• Giving advice, information and support on any
  aspect of equality and diversity to staff and
  students
• Developing policy and guidance
• Developing internal networks
• Responsible for UoP anti-harassment programme,
  including coordinating and supporting Harassment
  Advisers
• Training and development

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• Over the last few years there has been an
  increase in new equalities legislation giving all
  of us new rights and responsibilities. This
  includes
• Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
• Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation)
  Regulations 2003
• Employment Equality (Religion or Belief)
  Regulations 2003
• Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
• Gender Recognition Act 2004
• Civil Partnership Act 2004
• Equality Act 2006

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• Your rights
• To be treated with dignity and respect
• Not to be bullied, harassed, abused or
  intimidated
• Not to be victimised if you complain of
  discrimination or provide information on
  discrimination

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• Your responsibilities
• Treat all members of UoP with dignity and respect
• Not to bully, harass, abuse or intimidate others
• Not to victimise anyone who has made complaints
  of discrimination or provided information on
  discrimination
• Support measures introduced to advance equality
  and diversity
• Make yourself familiar with UoP policies in this
  area

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• Your responsibilities cont
• Respond to individual needs rather than treating
  every one the same
• Actively discourage discrimination, harassment or
  bullying. Doing nothing encourages unacceptable
  behaviour
• Help to create an inclusive and supportive work
  environment that promotes good relationships
  between people from different backgrounds

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• UoP Policies
• Equal Opportunities in Employment
• Code on Harassment, Bullying and Intimidation
• Code on Sexual Harassment
• Code on Racial Harassment
• Grievance Procedure
• Policy on Religion and Belief
• Policy on Sexual Orientation and Gender
  Reassignment
• Race, Disability (and from April 07) Gender
  Equality Schemes and Action Plans

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• Key Points
• Equality and Diversity is not
• About treating everyone the same
• Giving preferential treatment to some people
• Lowering standards

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• Equality and Diversity is
• About treating people fairly
• About recognising and valuing the needs,
  experience and background of each person
• About valuing diversity
• More than just applying the law

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• ..to play a major role in shaping a democratic,
  civilised, inclusive society.
• 1997 National Committee of Inquiry into Higher
  Education (Dearing Report)