Dignity, Respect and Inclusion

We want all members of our community to feel they belong at Sussex and to have the opportunity to contribute and thrive. Find out details of our commitments and approach to dignity, respect and inclusion below.

The University is committed to promoting equality and to creating an inclusive working, learning and living environment where all members of our diverse community can know that they belong and are treated fairly and with respect and dignity, in order to enable everyone to achieve their full potential.

Our core values are collaboration, courage, inclusion, integrity, kindness and openness, and we seek to embody these in all we do so that all members of our community can make a contribution and thrive. 

The University will foster a positive culture for working, learning and living which supports freedom of thought and freedom of expression within the law, and within the legal framework of respect for the rights of other people.

The University seeks to ensure that all members of the University community – staff, students, those with honorary or visiting attachments, and members of Council, as well as those who provide services to us and visitors to our campus:

  • are valued for their skills, abilities and contributions
  • are treated with dignity and respect
  • are able to study, work and live on campus free from bullying, harassment, victimisation or violence
  • experience no form of unlawful discrimination
  • are able to impart ideas, opinions and information freely subject only to limitations provided by the law.

This page summarises our policies, procedures and guidance aimed at responding to and preventing all types of bullying, harassment, victimisation, discrimination or violence.

We recognise the profound impact these behaviours can have, and actively encourage you to come forward if you have experienced or witnessed breaches of our Dignity, Respect and Inclusion Policy so we can offer you support and guidance. If you are in crisis now call 999 – or for campus Security call 01273 873333.

The University takes incidents of discrimination, bullying and harassment, victimisation and violence very seriously. Where appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken under staff or student disciplinary procedures. All allegations of discrimination, bullying, harassment, victimisation and violence should be raised in accordance with this policy.  

Routes for resolution

If you believe you’ve experienced a breach of the Dignity, Respect and Inclusion Policy, the following information will help you find sources of support and information, including potential courses of action you could take.

Urgent help

If you feel your safety is at risk, you are in crisis or need other urgent help, the below resources are available:

Information about reporting:

  • Victims of harassment who feel unsafe should report to the police and the University. 
  • Employees who identify a potential criminal offence or safety threat should report to the police and/or their line manager, who will consult with the Office of the General Counsel.
  • Individuals reporting to the police should also inform the University through the formal internal route for proper support and action.

When a student is reported to the police, the criminal process may take priority, and internal disciplinary action may be paused except for necessary precautionary measures.

If a staff member is reported to the police and faces a criminal investigation, charge, or conviction, the University may proceed with related disciplinary action before the criminal process concludes.

Sources of support and information

The University offers support and information via the Report + Support tool. This is available for staff, students and visitors. The tool is important both to track incidents and concerns across the University and also to support individuals in determining how they wish to take a matter forward.

Students can access student wellbeing support, seek advice and support from the Students’ Union Support and Advocacy service, or speak to an independent member of staff in their school/faculty.

Members of staff can speak to their manager or another manager, an HR Business Partner, a Trade Union representative, or access the Employee Assistance Programme or other wellbeing support.

Courses of action

The following sets out the main ways to address a breach of the policy, including making a complaint using one of the University’s procedures. The following steps are in addition to use of the Report + Support tool.

It is recommended that issues are addressed at the earliest possible stage. This could be by making clear to the person/people causing offence that their behaviour is unacceptable to you and that you believe it breaches the Dignity, Respect and Inclusion Policy. However, this is not always possible or appropriate and the following set out other routes to address breaches of the policy.

Students

Complaints about a student’s conduct will be addressed through the University’s Student Disciplinary Regulation. Guidance on reporting student misconduct is available online, see student disciplinary procedures and guidance.

Complaints from students about staff conduct will be received and referred internally for investigation under relevant regulations.

Formally report allegations of misconduct under the student disciplinary procedure.

Staff

The University’s Staff Grievance Procedure can be followed for issues relating to other members of staff.

Complaints from staff about student conduct will be handled through the Student Disciplinary Regulation. Guidance on reporting student misconduct is available online, see student disciplinary procedures and guidance.

Visitors/members of the public

Visitors to campus and members of the public can use the complaints procedure for members of the public.

Employees of partner organisations on campus

Employees of other organisations on campus should refer to their organisation’s processes in the first instance.

 

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