Overview
The above video Podbriefing provides a summary of the key elements of the Equality Act 2010 in relation to students that staff will need to be aware of.
It supplements the University's Dignity and Academic Support Booklet and the Dignity and Diversity policies. Links to these resources can be found on the right hand side of this page and can also be seen at the end of the video.
Content and Aims
Focus
This Podbriefing is provided by Richard Sykes, a practising lawyer and a public law and regulatory specialist. The focus of the briefing is the Equality Act 2010 and its protection of students, graduates and applicants from discrimination during their interactions with universities and other institutions.
The Equality Act 2010
40 years of legislation and case law are consolidated in the Equality Act 2010, and this briefing aims to focus on the main points of the Act in regards to the relationship between a university and its students. Particularly the protected characteristics, discriminatory acts, reasonable adjustments and exemptions outlined in the Act.
Practical Applications
The Act covers all aspects of a university's relationship with a student, from the selection process, right the way through to graduation. The scenario in this video follows one student, Steve, as he progresses through his course while suffering from a disability. The University's actions in the scenario help to highlight the practical application of the Equality Act, while Richard Sykes explains the different ways in which the Act affects the relationship between a university and a student.
Finally, while the scenario depicted in the Podbriefing is fictional, the principles explored are based on the facts of real cases.