If you think someone you know has been discriminated against, there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Understanding the behaviours associated with discrimination is a good place to start. Some people may want to share what has happened or is happening to them, and how it's making them feel.
Unlawful discrimination takes place when an individual or a group of people are treated less favourably than others based on a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex or gender, and sexual orientation.
Discrimination is contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the University Harassment Policy.
Think
What is discrimination? It might be useful to think about what constitutes unlawful discrimination.
Talk
Listen - just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them.
Published on Oct 4, 2015 Based on the Samaritans guidelines for active listening.
Give options - when they have finished talking, ask them if they are open to discussing some possible options.
Report
Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or request support from an advisor. If you choose to speak with an advisor, they will be able to discuss in confidence the options and support available to you.
University Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University against a student or a member of staff, there are procedures which set out the steps that will need to be followed.
Get Support
Mental Health
1 in 4 people is affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people has contemplated suicide or self-harm.
- Find out more about the support available for mental health
- Take care of yourself - If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you:
- Student Wellbeing Services provides confidential help and support for students
Staff can speak with their line-manager, a Harassment Advisor, contact HR and access Lifeworks, the University’s employee assistance service.