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Link to Equality Office Home page



Promoting equality and diversity

The University of Essex’s commitment to promoting equality and diversity is long-standing. Significantly, in 1970 Essex was the first university to launch Nightline, an anonymous telephone support helpline, now operating at over 40 universities. In the early 1990’s Essex was one of the first universities to introduce a Harassment Advisory Network, a confidential signposting service for both staff and students experiencing bullying or harassment. The Network was, and still is, considered a model of good practice that has subsequently been adopted by many other universities. In addition Essex was one of the pioneers of modelling a multi-faith way of working, and its Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Centre is now home to representatives of more than a dozen religions.

The University is a Two Ticks Employer and has also signed the Mindful Employer Charter for employers who are positive about mental health. Essex is a Stonewall Diversity Champion and, in April 2013, submitted an application for an Athena SWAN Bronze Award.

In addition the University offers a range of courses covering all aspects of equality and diversity and has an on-going programme of awareness-raising and promotional activities. Examples of these are: