Frequently asked questions
What is Equal Opportunity?
Equal Opportunity aims to ensure that discrimination is prohibited in employment and education. It is an ongoing process and it is about ensuring that there are fair policies and procedures within the University that are not only compliant with the law, but are also are in keeping with best practice guidelines.
What is Diversity?
Diversity refers to human qualities that are different from our own (and those of the groups with which we associate) that are manifested in other individuals and groups. Dimensions of Diversity include, but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, class, educational background, income, marital status, parental status, religious beliefs, work experience, and job classification.
Diversity as a concept focuses on a much wider set of qualities than Equal Opportunities. Valuing diversity means creating a place of work and study that respects and includes differences. In recognising the unique contributions that people with many types of differences can make, well managed Diversity promotes an environment that maximises the potential of all individuals and the University as a whole.
What is Direct Discrimination?
Direct discrimination occurs when someone receives less favourable treatment on the basis of characteristics or stereotyped assumptions which are not work or study related.
What is Indirect Discrimination?
Indirect discrimination occurs when policies and practices which appear neutral or fair because they are applied to everyone, have a different and disadvantageous impact on groups of people, covered by equal opportunity legislation, at work or in study. For example, if a selection or promotion criteria would put a certain racial or ethnic or national group at a disadvantage. To justify indirect discrimination, the employer must establish that the aims of the measures were not achievable by another method.
For more on indirect discrimination see: