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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

 

Advice, help and support

Your rights are protected in law

Under the Equal Opportunities Policy the University is committed to a:

… pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity

University of Cambridge Statutes and Ordinances                    

This means that no member of staff will be treated less favourably on a number of protected grounds, which includes both Sexual Orientation and Trans. This is in line with legislative developments, including the Equality Act 2010, and the University's Combined Equality Scheme.

This protection applies to employment, vocational training and higher education and protects all staff and students from discrimination by actual or perceived sexual orientation, irrespective of whether the perception is incorrect, and Trans status. The legislation includes protection against direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation based on an individual's membership or perceived membership of a protected group, such as Sexual Orientation or Trans, is unlawful. This does not, however, allow one protected group to act unlawfully against another protected group. So, for example, although staff are protected against discrimination on grounds of Religion or Belief, it is unlawful to discriminate against another member of staff on the grounds of Sexual Orientation, even if that staff member's Religion or Belief prohibits homosexuality.

Support

How do I make a complaint?

Members of staff who believe that they have been discriminated against on grounds of Sexual Orientation or Gender Reassignment may make a complaint through the University's:

Safe Contacts

Any LGBTQ+ member of the University community who would like to discuss an issue related to sexual orientation or gender identity in the workplace can contact a Network volunteer for support. There are Network volunteers who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender and can be contacted directly:

Lesbian

Jessie Monck ( jessie.monck@admin.cam.ac.uk )

Gay

Craig Brierley ( Craig.Brierley@admin.cam.ac.uk )

Bisexual

Vacancy: volunteer(s) sought - contact equality@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Transgender

Vacancy: volunteer(s) sought - contact equality@admin.cam.ac.uk.

 

Additionally, the Network works closely with the Dignity at Work team who can provide assistance on more specific cases of discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation.

Mentoring

Members of the Network are available to act as informal mentors for any member of staff who would be interested in this. The mentoring programme is linked to the University's existing provision

New Members Supporters

Designed to welcome new members, the LGBTQ+ Network has set-up New Members Supporters. It allows a member of the Network to meet with a volunteer member before a Network event. The volunteer members are LGBTQ+ and the Network can arrange for the volunteer to be LGBTQ+. Contact equality@admin.cam.ac.uk for more information.