Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is committed to creating a working, learning, teaching and research environment where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We want all members of our community to feel valued, supported and able to be themselves.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy sets out our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion for students, staff, visitors, contractorsand others who engage with UHI through any aspect of university life. It reflects our responsibilities under equality and human rights legislation and our wider ambition to foster an inclusive culture across the UHI partnership.
Our commitment
UHI is committed to:
- treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect
- promoting equality of opportunity
- valuing and celebrating diversity
- creating inclusive and accessible environments for work and study
- preventing unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other prohibited conduct
- fostering good relations across our communities
We believe every individual has the right to feel valued, respected and supported, and to bring their authentic self to work and study at UHI.
Who this policy applies to
Who this policy applies to
This policy applies to:
- current and prospective students
- current and prospective staff
- temporary and agency staff
- consultants
- board and court members
- volunteers
- collaborators
- contractors and others engaging with UHI activities
Across the UHI partnership, each academic partner is responsible for ensuring the policy is followed within its own organisation.
Our legal responsibilities
Our legal responsibilities
UHI is committed to meeting its obligations under the Equality Act 2010, the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012, and related legislation. This includes taking steps to:
- eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- advance equality of opportunity
- foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
The policy also supports UHI’s wider responsibilities under legislation including the Human Rights Act 1998, British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 and Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.
Protected characteristics
Protected characteristics
Under the Equality Act 2010, the protected characteristics are:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
UHI will not tolerate discrimination, harassmentor victimisation on any of these grounds.
What this means in practice
What this means in practice
We work to embed equality, diversity and inclusion across our policies, services and decision-making. This includes:
- making reasonable adjustments where appropriate
- carrying out Equality Impact Assessments where required
- monitoring progress through equality outcomes and mainstreaming reports
- improving the quality of staff and student equality data
- publishing required equality reporting information
- promoting inclusive and accessible learning and working environments
We also expect everyone at UHI to contribute to a culture of dignity and respect by treating others fairly and raising concerns where this policy may have been breached.
Roles and responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities
Responsibility for this policy is shared across UHI:
- the People Committee approves the policy and supports compliance with statutory and moral obligations
- the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee monitors and reviews the policy and supports progress on legislative and strategic EDI priorities
- senior managers and line managers are responsible for implementation and day-to-day compliance
- all staff and students are expected to uphold the principles of the policy in their conduct and decision-making
Reports or allegations of discrimination, harassment or victimisation will be taken seriously and may be investigated under relevant procedures.
Related procedures and support
Related procedures and support
The university and academic partners have their own procedures to support implementation of this policy. These should be followed alongside this overarching policy.