AlMaarefa University Equality and Diversity Policy

AlMaarefa University is committed to promoting equality and providing an environment where all members of its community are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to seeking to employ a workforce and educate a student body that reflects the diverse community we serve. The Equality Act (2010) helps by providing a legal framework to protect people from discrimination, harassment, and victimization in the workplace and wider society.

As a Higher Education Institution, we have specific equality duties that also require us to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. It is also our responsibility to publish equality information (data) on an annual basis and review and publish specific and measurable equality objectives every four years.

UM are committed to providing equality of opportunity and will work to ensure that all of our staff, students, and visitors, as well as those that seek to apply to work or study with us are treated fairly and are not subjected to unlawful discrimination by the University on the basis of (their protected characteristic) philosophical belief and a lack of belief.

Scope

The policy is applicable to all staff (which includes for the purposes of this policy and for ease of reference, consultants, contractors, volunteers, casual workers, and agency workers), students, and applicants to work or study at the University. The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which staff and students should treat each other, visitors, contractors, service providers, suppliers, and any other persons associated with the functions of the University.

Aims of the Policy

The University’s aim is to promote equality of opportunity for all, through the following objectives:

• Assessing the impact on equality in our policies, procedures, and practices.
• Having an effective data monitoring and analysis process.
• Involving staff, students, and other stakeholders in the development and delivery of our equality objectives.
• Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion through internal and external communications.
• Ensuring that managers and staff take part in equality training and those who have responsibility for recruitment and selection.
• Ensuring staff and university student support services are, as far as reasonably possible, accessible to all.
• Ensuring that both existing staff and students, as well as those who seek to apply to work and study with us, are treated fairly and are judged solely on merit and by reference to their skills and abilities.
• Ensuring that staff, students, and their representatives are provided with appropriate forums to discuss equality, diversity, and inclusion issues and raise any concerns.
• Ensuring that all contractors and service providers operating on behalf of the University are aware of this policy and are expected to adhere to it.
• Complying with its legal obligations.

Sanctions

A failure to comply with the principles set out in this policy may be considered to be a disciplinary offense and will be addressed through the relevant procedures.

Complaints

Any cases of discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimization will be taken very seriously by the University. Any member of staff or student found guilty of unlawful discrimination or harassment will be subject to disciplinary action. Appropriate action will be taken where possible if any member of the public, visitor, or service provider is involved in discrimination or harassment. Staff, students, or other parties who make a complaint of discrimination have the right to do so without fear of victimization, and the University will make every effort to ensure that any complaints are dealt with promptly and fairly.