Will you be attending the demonstration about university fees in Cambridge on November 5th?

Yes, I'll be there - I've been getting my placards ready and working on new chants

Yup, where do I sign up for the free bus?

No, I've got lectures that day!

No, I'm not really the protesting type - how else can I get involved?

Please, tell me more!

View results

Previous Polls

You are here » Home » campaigns » Campaign Minisites » Liberations Campaigns » Equal Opps » EO Policy

EO Policy

• Liberations Campaigns • Black Students • SWD • LGBT • Equal Opps • Mental Health •

Folders

<-- Back to homepage Equal Opportunities

E.O. Policy
	E.O. Code of Practice	E.O. Committee

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT

The Union of UEA Students is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this commitment through encouraging a community in which all individuals may contribute without fear of discrimination. Ensuring equality of opportunity will be given the highest priority within this Union and we pledge to campaign against discrimination.

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Union is committed to treating everyone equally and with respect. Discrimination (direct or indirect) based on a person's age, colour, disability, ethnic origin, family commitments, gender, HIV status, marital status, nationality, political beliefs, religious beliefs, race, sexism, sexual orientation, spent or irrelevant criminal convictions, trade union activity or any other grounds which cannot be justified. This Union promotes equal opportunities as an employer, as a representative campaigning body and as provider of services.

1.1 PRINCIPLES
This policy exists to:

Ensure that this Union is proactive in promoting equality of opportunity.
Ensure sanctions are in place to deal with those that fail to comply with the procedures and guidelines.
Commit the Union to monitoring the implementation of this policy and the evaluation of its effectiveness

1.2 OBJECTIVES
The Union is a campaigning organisation that needs to represent its diverse membership. The Union recognises that inequality, oppression and discrimination exist and aims to work towards elimination of discrimination and provision of equality of opportunity for its members and employees. In recognising this, the Union has the following objectives:

To create and sustain a positive and welcoming environment for all members, visitors and staff.
To increase the participation of all members.
To increase the accessibility of information for students and staff.
To ensure that activities and events meet the needs of the diverse membership.
To ensure that Union Officers and staff are aware of the diversity of the membership
To ensure that the decision making bodies of the Union represent the needs of disadvantaged groups.
To address any attitudinal, organisational and physical barriers that may prevent equality of opportunity.
To increase awareness within the organisation of the needs of disadvantaged groups in order to provide more relevant service and prevent discrimination from occurring.
To ensure that the Union meets and where desirable exceeds legislative requirements.

2.0 CODE OF PRACTICE FOR MEMBERS AND STAFF
There is a code of practice for members and staff covering the detailed implementation of this policy. The Union will publish and annually review the code of practice. Mechanisms for registering complaints are detailed in the code of practice.

3.0 POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
3.1 RESPONSIBILITY

The Union recognises that this Equal Opportunities policy can only succeed with the support of all members. All members of the Union are responsible for their own behaviour and should abide by this policy.
The operation and implementation of this policy is the overall responsibility of the Executive.

3.2 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMITTEE
There shall be an advisory sub-committee of the Executive, called the Equal Opportunities Committee. The Executive, with the advice of the Equal Opportunities Committee, shall monitor the implementation of the policy, make recommendations for improvements in the overall policy and set procedures for its implementation.

The Equal Opportunities Committee shall regularly review and make recommendations to update and evaluate the implementation of this policy. The committee will liaise with the Equal Opportunities Commission and other relevant agencies in order to establish and improve itself as an effective monitoring body.

4.0 PUBLICITY OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

The Equal Opportunities Policy shall be available on the Unions website and hard copies will be available from the Union Advice Centre or the Welfare Officer.
The Equal Opportunities Statement will be published in the Union Handbook. In addition, the first sentence of the statement will be printed on Union entertainment tickets, central Union publications, club and society membership cards and the entire statement shall be displayed on plaques in Union House.

5.0 DISCLAIMER
The Union does not imply or accept that it has not sought to apply fair standards of practice in the past. It does however recognise the need to constantly examine policy and practice in the light of changing standards and expectations.