Equality Act, 2010: UK law that has consolidated previous anti-discrimination laws into a single Act, making it easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations. It legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace
Positive Action: Actions that can be taken to support people from underrepresented groups on more equitable terms with other applicants. This can include training, development or outreach programs. Positive action is lawful under the Equality Act 2010.
Positive Discrimination: The practice of favouring someone because they have a protected characteristic, such as race or gender, to address imbalances. Unlike positive action, positive discrimination is unlawful in the UK.
Advance HE: A member-led charity that supports higher education institutions in improving teaching, leadership, and equality. They work with their network of global associates and partners, and with people, providers, and systems around the world, to understand different contexts and challenges in the higher education sector and deliver solutions.
Athena SWAN: Gender Equality Charter: A charter established to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) in higher education and research. It has since expanded to include arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and law.
Race Equality Charter (REC): A framework provided by Advance HE to help institutions identify and self-reflect on institutional and cultural barriers in the way of minority ethnic staff and students. It aims to improve the representation, progression, and success of minority ethnic staff and students within Higher Education
ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service): An independent public body in the UK that provides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. They provide free online training and webinars for EDI and the Equality Act 2010.
The University upholds the principles of freedom of speech and academic freedom, which are essential to the pursuit of knowledge, critical inquiry, and open debate. These freedoms allow individuals to express ideas, challenge assumptions, and engage in meaningful dialogue. In relation to academic staff at the University, it means their freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without loss of their jobs or privileges at the University, or the likelihood of their securing promotion or different jobs at the University being reduced.
