SMSU Equality Policy

1. INTRODUCTION

St Mary’s Students’ Union (SMSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. SMSU will

demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, recognising,

supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive

culture which values diversity.

SMSU is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone is

treated equally and with respect. SMSU is committed to promoting equal opportunities as a

representative and campaigning body, and as a provider of services. We will not tolerate any

form of discrimination including harassment and bullying based on one or more of the

following grounds or any other irrelevant distinction:

Age, ability or disability, caring or parental responsibilities, gender or transgender, HIV

status, marital status, nationality, religion or belief, physical appearance, race, sexual

orientation, spent or irrelevant criminal convictions, trade union affiliation, employment

status, socio-economic background, medical condition, full or part time student status,

mental health status or other irrelevant distinction.

This list is not exhaustive but illustrates SMSU’s commitment in regarding such

discrimination as unacceptable.

1.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES

This policy exists to:

1. Ensure that SMSU carries out its activities within a framework that respects and promotes

equal opportunities, and alongside legislative requirements.

2. Ensure that SMSU is pro-active in promoting equality of opportunity.

3. Make explicit the rights and responsibilities of all members.

4. Commit SMSU to monitoring the implementation of this policy and the evaluation of its

effectiveness.

1.2 SMSU’S COMMITMENT

1. SMSU will work proactively to involve students in its activities who are typically under-

represented or marginalised.

2. SMSU is committed to providing a working and learning environment in compliance with

all relevant legislation. This policy will be amended as appropriate to meet the demands of

SMSU Equality Policy future legislation. This policy is guided by all current and relevant legislation. (See appendix

for details of relevant legislation.)

3. SMSU will work with the University and other relevant bodies to promote its equal

opportunities policy, and to ensure that both the Students’ Union and the University are

actively working to comply with policy on equal opportunities.

4. Any groups or individuals contravening this equality policy will be subject to disciplinary

procedures.

5. SMSU will regularly monitor practices to ensure that it meets its commitment to equality

of opportunity.

6. SMSU procedures will apply to all aspects of SMSU activity, including advertising and

media and all forms of documentation. It will apply to all those involved in SMSU, including

students, staff, visitors, clients, contractors, consultants and customers.

7. SMSU makes a commitment to promoting equality on campus and hopes to aid the

expulsion of negative behaviours (for example Homophobia) across the university

community. Any student found to have caused harassment or harm to any other student

based on hate or prejudice will be subject to both Students’ Union and University disciplinary

procedures.

2. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

2.1 RESPONSIBILITY

1. Overall responsibility for implementation of this policy lies with the SU President and CEO.

2. All elected officers and members of SMSU staff are responsible for their own behaviour

and should strive to ensure equal opportunities practise within their remit. They may be held

personally accountable should any complaint arise against them.

3. All elected officers and members of SMSU staff are responsible for ensuring that

personal harassment of another member of staff or a student does not occur.

4. All SMSU members (i.e.: students) are responsible for their own behaviour and should

strive to respect and demonstrate equal opportunities principles.

2.2 PROVISION

1. SMSU understands that the needs of different groups vary and will therefore strive to

provide according to need, which in some cases will result in different provisions.

SMSU Equality Policy 2. SMSU recognises the need for liberation groups (Black and Minority Ethnic, Women and

LGBT+ students for example) to have a ‘safe space’.

3. SMSU is committed to making our service provision accessible to all students. Where

offices are inaccessible, staff and elected officers will endeavour to find alternative space for

meetings and events in order not to exclude any interested party. Any alterations to and/or

development of the ‘J’ building (Students’ Union occupied spaces only) shall occur with

improving access as a priority.

2.3. ELECTIONS

1. SMSU commits itself to becoming an equal opportunities democratic body. It will eliminate

unfair discrimination at each stage of the recruitment/election process and throughout an

individual’s period of employment/term of office. SMSU will also comply with all the

University’s policies.

2.4 TRAINING

1. All permanent staff and full-time elected officers will attend the Equality and Diversity

training provided by the University. Part-time elected officers will receive equal opportunities

training alongside or integrated into other SMSU training programmes.

2. All staff and elected officers must be fully aware of the equality policy.

3. MONITORING AND REVIEW

1. The full time officers and CEO will be responsible for monitoring the day-to-day

implementation of the policy, and reviewing the methods of training in equal opportunities.

2. The Executive Committee will assess and assist with implementation of the policy and act

as advisors to any review. The Executive Committee will also be responsible for instigating

the reviewing of the policy in view of future legislative change. The Executive Committee will

contact relevant people and organisations to ascertain their comments on Students’ Union

policy and practice and how SMSU members and staff from under represented and

marginalised groups:

1. Could participate more fully in the policy making and activities of the Students’ Union

2. Would want to see Students’ Union services improved.

3. The SU Council will be responsible for organising any review of the policy, its

implementation and effect. The annual review will report on the development and

implementation of the policy.

SMSU Equality Policy

4. PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY

1. SMSU will ensure that all members and staff, whether paid or unpaid are aware of the

Union’s commitment to equal opportunities and that they are expected to promote its

objectives.

2. This policy shall be made available to all members, staff, sports clubs and societies as a

requirement that they actively counter prejudice and discrimination and demonstrate their

commitment to equal opportunities policies and practice.

5. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

1. If any (potential or existing) member or employee of SMSU feels they have been treated

in a manner not in accordance with this policy, they have the right to make a complaint free

of retribution.

2. All complaints will be handled with consideration to both sides and with the utmost

confidentiality.

3. Complaints can be made through the SMSU complaints procedure, which can be found

via the SMSU website.

APPENDIX

Relevant legislation - This policy is guided by:

St Mary’s Equality Policy and Code of Practice

St Mary’s Racial Equality Policy

St Mary’s Dignity at Work Policy

Equality Act (2010)

EU Equal Treatment Framework Directive (2007/08)

Relevant web links

SMSU Equality Policy www.stmaryssu.co.uk

www.stmarys.ac.uk

Document Record

Document title: SMSU Equality Policy

Version 1

Department responsible Students’ Union

Authors SU CEO

Document date July 2014

Date last amended August 2015

Effective from 01 September 2014

Review date 01 June 2017

Impact Assessment Date 13/08/2014

History (where discussed / who

circulated to / committees

considered

Draft circulated to SU President, AU President and Executive Committee for

comment. 28/07/2014

SMSU Trustee Board: 09/09/2014

SU Council: 16/09/2014

St Mary’s University Equality and Diversity Committee: 04/11/2014

Student Experience Committee: 04/11/2014