It Has Happened to Me
If you believe you have experienced discrimination, support is available.
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to creating a fair, inclusive and respectful environment where all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect.
Discrimination is never acceptable.
If something has happened that has left you feeling unfairly treated, excluded, disadvantaged or unable to participate fully in University life, you do not have to deal with it alone.
Understanding What Has Happened
Discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably, disadvantaged or excluded because of a protected characteristic.
Protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 include:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race, ethnicity or nationality
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Discrimination can be direct or indirect and can occur intentionally or unintentionally.
You do not need to determine whether what has happened meets a legal definition before seeking support.
If something feels unfair, exclusionary or discriminatory, we encourage you to seek advice or raise a concern.
Talk to Someone
Experiencing discrimination can be upsetting and isolating.
Many people find it helpful to talk through their concerns with somebody they trust, such as:
- a friend or family member
- a colleague
- a tutor or academic adviser
- a line manager
- a member of a University support service
Sometimes simply discussing what has happened can help you better understand your options and decide what you would like to do next.
Reporting a Concern
The University provides several ways to report concerns and access support.
Report a Concern
You can submit an identifiable report if you would like a member of staff to contact you and discuss available support and options.
This route can be used by both students and staff.
Anonymous Reporting
If you do not feel comfortable identifying yourself, you can submit an anonymous report.
You can also choose to use anonymous two-way messaging, allowing you to receive guidance and support whilst remaining anonymous.
What Happens Next?
If you submit a report, a trained member of staff will review the information provided.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- advice and guidance
- safeguarding support
- discussion of reporting options
- signposting to specialist services
- consideration of informal resolution options
- consideration of formal procedures where appropriate
You will not be pressured into making a formal complaint.
Support Available
Students
Students may be able to access support through:
- Student Life
- Disability and Inclusion Support
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
- Student Success Coaches
- Safeguarding Services
Staff
Staff may be able to access support through:
- Line Managers
- Human Resources
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Occupational Health Services
- Trade Union Representatives
- Safeguarding Services
Looking After Yourself
Experiencing discrimination can affect well-being, confidence and your sense of belonging.
You may experience:
- stress
- anxiety
- anger
- frustration
- low mood
- loss of confidence
- difficulty concentrating
These reactions are understandable.
Consider:
- speaking to somebody you trust
- seeking support from University services
- accessing professional support where appropriate
- taking time to prioritise your wellbeing
You do not need to manage this on your own.
Remember
Everyone has the right to be treated fairly, with dignity and with respect.
The University is committed to promoting equality, inclusion and belonging, and to ensuring that concerns relating to discrimination are taken seriously.
If you are unsure whether what has happened constitutes discrimination, we would still encourage you to seek advice or raise a concern.