Our policy and strategy

We have one Equality Policy and Strategy to help us fulfil both our legal obligations and the core values set out in our Vision 2012-17.

The aim of our single policy is to provide a framework that brings together all our previous separate codes and policies on disability and gender, race, religion and belief and sexual orientation and gender identity.

The University is committed to making sure the policy works. Our action plan includes key performance indicators and our equality objectives. We worked out these objectives using expert advice and feedback from staff and students. We work on the action plan – and monitor our progress against our objectives – continuously, so the document is updated regularly.

Details of the progress made to date (.docx)

Equality and Diversity Policy Statement

The University of Essex recognises the value of diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity within the University. We expect students and staff to be treated with dignity and respect and solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, political beliefs and affiliations, family circumstances or other irrelevant distinction.

The University is committed to a programme of action to ensure that this policy is fully effective.

The following policies and procedures may also be of interest:

• Policy for the Protection of Under-18s and Vulnerable Adults
• Flexible Working Policy (opens PDF)

If you have any comments/questions about equal opportunities at the University please e-mail us: diversity@essex.ac.uk