Equality and Diversity

Equality and Diversity
  • Equality and Diversity at UWS

    We are proud of our tradition of committing ourselves to the widening of access to Higher Education from all sectors of the community and of our record in attracting students from under represented socio-economic backgrounds. The University wishes to build on its existing reputation as an inclusive institution and ensure that it extends its commitment to all, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, across all areas of students, staff, campus and community activity.

    The University will work to promote understanding and integration between groups of different backgrounds and beliefs and will not tolerate any exclusion, harassment or victimisation of students or staff. This means tackling discrimination and prejudice where they are found to exist in the University and tackling the systems, behaviour and attitudes that cause or sustain them.

    The University will, through the development of the Equality Scheme and other Equality, Diversity and Human Rights strategies and policies set out to respect and celebrate diversity because of its value in attracting, motivating and retaining students and staff; its contribution to the enrichment of the intellectual environment and of the learning experience for students, and its contribution to the pursuit of equality in the wider community. We will take action to avoid discrimination on any grounds and will promote equality of opportunity and understanding between people from different backgrounds.

    The University has developed an Equality Scheme and Implementation plan which will put these commitments into practice.

  • Commitments

    Our Commitments

    The University recognises and values the benefits of a diverse and multicultural community and is committed to:

    Promoting equality of opportunity for all staff in the provision of employment and for students in the provision of education and related services.
    Ensuring that no member of staff or applicant for employment, student or student applicant to the University is treated less favourably on any of the following grounds (protected characteristics):

    • age
    • disability
    • gender reassignment
    • marriage and civil partnership
    • pregnancy and maternity
    • race
    • religion or belief
    • sex
    • sexual orientation

    Promoting widening access to Higher Education through our commitment to ensure equal treatment on grounds of social class in addition to grounds covered by equalities legislation.
    Developing a welcoming environment which is free from any form of harassment and is built on the principles of mutual respect, fairness and dignity.
    Developing a culture that embraces diversity and recognises the contribution of all staff, students and stakeholders to the success of the University.

    Meeting our Commitments

    To meet our commitments, we will develop and publish equality plans and outcomes in line with our priorities and in addition we will:

    • Review all policies, practices and procedures through the agreed Impact Assessment process.
    • Provide training for staff in general equality and diversity work and for specific issues.
    • Undertake data monitoring to inform our priorities and actions.
    • Report progress annually to the University Court and Senate.
    • Engage with students, staff and stakeholders in the community regarding our equality plans and actions.

    The University has set out how we will meet these commitments in the Equality Scheme, the implementation plan and in a range of academic and operational policies.

    Supporting documents

    The University’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Human Rights is underpinned by its understanding of current legislation:

    Its Mission, Vision, Vales and Dignity and Respect statement and its Strategic Plan.


2012 University of the West of Scotland
University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity. Charity number SC002520.
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