Equality and Diversity Information

The University currently collects information on the protected characteristics of age, gender, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender identity and disability from members of staff and students. In addition, the University publishes a variety of other information which contributes to demonstrating how it seeks to eliminates unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. This information can be broken down into the following broad areas:

• Student Equality Information
• Staff Equality Information
• Equality Impact Assessments/Reviews
• Equality Policy and Strategy
• Consultation and involvement
• Promoting equality and diversity

The University undertook a comprehensive analysis of what equality information it currently collects in respect of staff and students and has published that which it believes demonstrates its compliance with the general equality duty. The first part of this analysis took place as part of the University’s development of its Equality Policy and Strategy 2011-14 and as a result, a number of the objectives contained with the policy’s action plan, relate to filling identified information gaps. Further analysis took place when considering what information we require to effectively meet the specific duties, from which the University identified a number of additional pieces of information it believes it would be helpful to collect in order to further its understand the impact of its policies and procedures on people with protected characteristics. Details of the gap analysis.

If you would like to receive any of this information in an alternative format, please contact Equality and Diversity by emailing diversity@essex.ac.uk or calling 01206 873506.

Useful information

• Religious festivals and anniversaries (external site)
• Web links
• Stonewall Starting Out Guide 2012-13 - A national guide for students and job-switchers wanting to find a gay-friendly employer.