Equalities at AUCB

What is equality?
Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Equality is the underlying principle which entitles everyone to freedom from unfair discrimination.

 

The emphasis of good equalities practice is to provide an environment which encourages positive attitudes to difference and equal opportunities for all.

 

Whether you are a member of the Arts University College’s community, a visitor or you work with us in any capacity, you have a duty to adhere to the Single Equalities Scheme (SES) at all times in the course of your day to day activities.

 

Identities and equality strands
A person’s identity is made up of a complex mixture of culturally and socially defined qualities which are generally acquired through life experience. Identity often manifests itself as a person’s sense of belonging to a specific group within a society. The six recognised groups or 'strands' which are protected under UK law are:

 

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender (including Gender Reassignment)
  • Race
  • Religion or Belief
  • Sexual Orientation

 

UK law dictates that discrimination on the basis of these strands is unlawful.

 

Discrimination can take many forms
Direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, victimisation, harassment and bullying are all recognised forms of discrimination which the Arts University College takes very seriously.

 

Direct discrimination occurs when factors unrelated to the merit, ability or potential of a person or group are used as an explicit reason for discriminating against them. No justification is possible for this type of discrimination.

 

Indirect discrimination occurs when an apparently neutral provision, criterion or practice which puts persons of a certain group at a particular disadvantage compared with others and it cannot be shown to be a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

 

Victimisation occurs if a person has made or is making an accusation of discrimination in good faith, it is unlawful to discriminate against them for having done so, or because they intend to do so or it is suspected that they intend to do so.

 

Bullying and Harassment
These terms are used interchangeably by most people, and many definitions include bullying as a form of harassment.

 

Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.

 

Bullying or harassment may be by an individual against an individual (perhaps by someone in a position of authority such as a manager or supervisor) or involve groups of people. It may be obvious or it may be insidious. Whatever form it takes, it is unwarranted and unwelcome to the individual.

 

Harassment, in general terms is unwanted conduct affecting the dignity of men and women in the workplace. It may be related to age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any personal characteristic of the individual, and may be persistent or an isolated incident. The key is that the actions or comments are viewed as demeaning and unacceptable to the recipient.

 

What does the law say?
As a Higher Education Institution, the University College has a number of responsibilities under UK equalities legislation. These responsibilities are described as Equality Duties which relate to 3 equality strands, race (May 2000), disability (December 2005) and gender (April 2007). Where possible and appropriate, the University College will extend these to include other areas where discrimination is unlawful (age, religion or belief, and sexual orientation).

 

The University College is aware of the Government’s intention to introduce a wider Equalities Act which would offer a comprehensive legal framework for equalities issues, and will review the scheme in the light of any changes of legislation.

 

How does all this affect me?
All members of the University College’s community have a responsibility to treat others fairly and respectfully regardless of the characteristics which may define their identity, such as age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief or sexual orientation. The University College is responsible for providing a working and learning environment founded on dignity, respect and equity where discrimination of any kind is treated with the utmost seriousness in accordance with the SES.

 

Where can I get more information on equality issues?
General information about UK equalities legislation can be accessed online via the Equality and Human Rights Commission, http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/

 

For more information on how the legislation impacts upon HEIs and for guidance on how to respond to legislative requirements please visit the Equality Challenge Unit, http://www.ecu.ac.uk/

 

If you would like further information about equality issues at the University College or you require this information in another format please contact: equalities@aucb.ac.uk