Protected characteristics
There are nine protected characteristics which are covered in the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination against these is unlawful:
- age
- disability
- race
- religion or belief
- sex (also known as ‘gender’, includes pregnancy and maternity)
- sexual orientation (including marriage and civil partnership)
- trans
The University has Codes of Practice (.docx) for each of these characteristics. The codes aim to help managers deal with diversity within their teams, and to inform staff and students of their rights and the responsibilities of the University, under the Equality Act 2010.
As part of the University’s commitment to equality and diversity within and beyond its community, individual members of our senior management team also act as diversity champions in relation to each of the protected characteristics.
Inclusion champions
As part of the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within and beyond its community, individual members the University Steering Group (USG) act as champions in relation to the following protected characteristics:
- Age: Professor Maria Fasli
- Disability: Bryn Morris
- Gender (including pregnancy, maternity, and marriage and civil partnership): Monica Illsley
- Faith or belief: Andrew Keeble
- Race: Professor Madeline Eacott
- Sexual orientation: Professor Moya Lloyd
- Trans: Professor Christine Raines
- Jewish students and staff: Professor Andrew Le Sueur
The role of inclusion champions is to support and promote the work the University undertakes in relation to the protected characteristic for which they are champions.
Inclusion champions aim to act as role models, taking actions when appropriate (although not intervening in specific cases), addressing behaviours when necessary and checking that the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion are recognised, understood and considered during evaluation and decision-making processes.
