Characteristics

The Equality Act 2010 provides a legal framework in order to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality for all. There are nine characteristics that are protected under the act. This means that you and everyone in the UK is protected under the law from discrimination, harassment or victimisation on the grounds of: Age, Disability, Gender reassignment*, Marriage and civil partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity, Race, Religion or belief, Sex and Sexual orientation.

*At the university, you will see the term trans being used rather than gender reassignment. We recognise that trans people hold a variety of identities, some of which may not be related to gender reassignment, and that some people may identify as neither male nor female. Trans is used at the university as an inclusive ‘umbrella’ term for anyone whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Our Strategic Delivery Plan for EDI goes beyond just delivering targeted interventions to support specific groups. It also considers three characteristics in addition to the ones identified in the Equalities Act: caring responsibilities, socio-economic background and temporary impairment. Caring responsibilities acknowledges individuals who act as carers for older relatives, those with disabilities or who care for children. Socio-economic background recognises the impact that coming from a less affluent background can have on being a staff member or student at the university. And including temporary impairment allows us to consider the support we can give those with shorter-term health issues that may not be covered by the definition of disability.

Find more information about protected and additional characteristics using the links below.