Discrimination
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 you believe you have been treated unfairly because of who you are, or because of a characteristic protected by law, support is available.
What is Discrimination?
Discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly, disadvantaged or excluded because of a protected characteristic.
Protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race, ethnicity or nationality
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Discrimination can affect students, staff, applicants, visitors and members of the wider University community.
Direct Discrimination
Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
Examples may include:
- refusing someone an opportunity because of their race or ethnicity
- treating somebody unfairly because of their religion or belief
- excluding somebody because of their sexual orientation
- making decisions based on assumptions about age, sex or disability
Direct discrimination is generally unlawful.
Discrimination by Association
Discrimination can also occur because of a person's association with someone who has a protected characteristic.
For example:
- treating someone unfairly because they care for a disabled family member
- treating someone less favourably because their partner, child or friend belongs to a particular faith group
Discrimination by Perception
Discrimination may occur because somebody is perceived to have a protected characteristic, even if that perception is incorrect.
For example:
- making assumptions about a person's religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation and treating them differently as a result
Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination
It is unlawful to treat someone unfavourably because they are:
- pregnant
- on maternity leave
- recently returned from maternity leave
- breastfeeding
The University is committed to supporting students and staff throughout pregnancy, maternity and return to study or work.
Indirect Discrimination
Indirect discrimination occurs when a policy, process, rule or way of working applies to everyone but places people with a particular protected characteristic at a disadvantage.
This is often unintentional.
Examples may include:
- policies that create barriers for disabled individuals
- arrangements that disadvantage people of a particular faith
- practices that disproportionately impact people with caring responsibilities
Not every difference in treatment amounts to discrimination, and some arrangements may be justified where there is a legitimate reason and no less discriminatory alternative.
Disability and Reasonable Adjustments
The University has a duty to consider reasonable adjustments for disabled students, staff and applicants.
Reasonable adjustments are intended to remove or reduce barriers that may place disabled people at a disadvantage.
Examples may include:
- additional examination arrangements
- accessible learning materials
- specialist equipment
- workplace adjustments
- flexible arrangements where appropriate
Reporting Discrimination
If you believe you have experienced discrimination, witnessed discrimination, or are concerned about someone else, you can raise a concern through the University's Report + Support system.
You can:
Report a Concern
Submit an identifiable report if you would like a member of staff to contact you and discuss support and available options.
Submit an Anonymous Report
If you do not wish to identify yourself, you can make an anonymous report.
Anonymous reports help the University identify patterns, themes and areas of concern.
Support Available
Support is available whether or not you choose to make a formal complaint.
Support for Students
Students may be able to access support through:
Student Life
Student Life - University of Wolverhampton
Providing support with:
- wellbeing
- welfare
- disability and inclusion
- financial concerns
- student support
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Mental Health and Wellbeing Advice - University of Wolverhampton
Providing support for:
- anxiety
- low mood
- emotional distress
- mental health concerns
- crisis situations
Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding - University of Wolverhampton
Providing support where there are concerns relating to:
- abuse
- exploitation
- vulnerability
- safety
- wellbeing
Support for Staff
Staff members affected by bullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, sexual misconduct or other concerning behaviour can access support through a range of routes.
Line Manager Support
Managers can provide support, discuss available options and help identify appropriate workplace adjustments or interventions where required.
Human Resources
The HR team can provide advice regarding:
- workplace concerns
- dignity at work issues
- informal and formal resolution options
- policies and procedures
hr@wlv.ac.uk
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Programme provides confidential support and advice for staff, including emotional well-being support and counselling services.
Staff Support - University of Wolverhampton
Safeguarding Team
The University's Safeguarding Team supports both students and staff and can provide advice where there are concerns relating to safety, vulnerability, abuse, exploitation or wellbeing.
Safeguarding - University of Wolverhampton
Remember
Everyone has the right to be treated fairly and with respect.
If you believe you have experienced discrimination, or you are unsure whether what has happened may constitute discrimination, we encourage you to seek advice or raise a concern.
The University will take concerns seriously and work to ensure that individuals can access appropriate support and guidance.