Equality and Diversity

Equality & Diversity The University of Worcester sees Equality and Diversity not just as a legal obligation, but something which will enhance the University both as a place to work and to study. Our objective is to eliminate all aspects of discrimination both direct and indirect. To achieve this, all individuals must be treated fairly and with respect and dignity irrespective of race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, age, disability, marital or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, or religion. As a student mentor you will be expected to adhere to these principles when dealing with staff, fellow students, young people their parents and teachers.

Are Equality & Diversity the same thing? The terms Equality and Diversity are sometimes thought of as interchangeable thinking that ‘diversity’ has the same meaning as ‘equality’. This is not the case. Equality is ensuring individuals or groups of individuals are treated fairly and equally and no less favourably, specific to their needs, including areas of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age Diversity is much broader and is about recognising and valuing individual differences whilst ensuring that the services we provide are fully inclusive and representative of the community.

What is Equality? Equal Opportunities means: Obeying the law & ensuring that the rights of an individual are observed Valuing difference, respecting the way that other people live and lead their lives Opposing prejudice Respecting people as individuals and the different beliefs and values they have Ensuring that individuals have equal access to services and conditions which will enhance their welfare Promoting self-esteem and a sense of individual worth

From an individual perspective, experiencing equality of opportunity is believing that you receive fair and equal access to activities or processes of your choice without restriction and regardless of personal attributes, circumstances or background. As a student mentor you should behave with fairness, decency and respect towards the people you are dealing with. You should also promote and encourage this behaviour among the individuals and groups you work with.

What is Diversity? Diversity is about recognising and valuing the differences we all have as individuals. Those differences include skills, beliefs and personal attributes. Regardless of our differences we all have the same rights to be treated with dignity and respect. As a UW student mentor you will be expected to value and respect diversity and encourage others to do the same.

Your behaviour as a University of Worcester Student Mentor Our aims are to highlight the opportunities available in Higher Education without disrespecting the backgrounds, circumstances and opinions of young people. Be polite, respectful, sensitive and professional. Be positive – emphasise the benefits of HE. Respect people’s background and concerns, even if they seem strange to you. Recognise that their attitudes to education may be very different to yours

Any Questions?