We believe unlawful discrimination is never okay.
Discrimination occurs when an individual or a group of people are treated less favourably than others based on a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership (in employment), pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex or gender, sexual orientation.
Unlawful discrimination is contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the University's Dignity at Work and Study Policy.
Think
What is discrimination? It might be useful to think about what constitutes unlawful discrimination.
Talk
To a friend. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
For students
- RVC’s Advice Centre offer emotional and practical support. This could include a referral for counselling or mental health support, signposting to specialist external resources and providing advice and support to co-ordinate any reasonable adjustments if your studies have been affected. For more information on the support we offer and to book an appointment please visit our Learn site or contact us on 020 8051 3500 or email advice@rvc.ac.uk.
- Dignity at Work and Study Ambassador - An ambassador can talk through the University's procedures, discuss support available and in confidence explain how to resolve concerns informally and how to make a formal complaint. Further details can be found in the College’s Dignity at Work and Study Policy.
For staff
- Dignity at Work and Study Ambassador - An ambassador can talk through the University's procedures, discuss support available and in confidence explain how to resolve concerns informally and how to make a formal complaint. Further details can be found in the College’s Dignity at Work and Study Policy.
- Care First - The College, in partnership with 'Care First', offers a counselling and advisory service to RVC employees as an additional source of workplace support.
- Human Resources - If you are a member of staff or manager your HR partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you. If appropriate this may include referring staff member to occupational health as a duty of care.
- Chaplaincy - The College Chaplain has pastoral care and concern for all in College, students and staff alike, and is available to listen and talk in complete confidence about any concerns members of the College may have.
- Trade Unions – If you are a member of a trade union, you can contact your trade union representative for support. The recognised trade unions within the College are UCU, UNISON and UNITE.
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 you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
- University Procedure - If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.