Policies and Guidelines – Equal Opportunities Policy

Policy Overview

US University of Technology, Science and Arts operates under a strict Equal Opportunities Policy. Below is a copy of this policy for the organisation.

Statement of Equality Opportunity

US University of Technology, Science and Arts is fully committed to the principle of equal opportunities in recruitment and employment and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination including those on the grounds of:

• Age

• Disability

• Ethnic or national origin

• HIV status

• Marital status

• Nationality (including citizenship)

• Race

• Religion

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

Aim

US University of Technology, Science and Arts aims to treat all employees and students with dignity and respect and provide a working/learning environment free from all discrimination.  It will conduct its affairs at all times in a manner that is consistent with this aim.

US University of Technology, Science and Arts believes that it is in the organisations best interests, and of those that work/study in it, to ensure that the human resources, talents and skills available throughout the country are considered when employment opportunities arise.

Commitment

To this end, within the framework of the law, US University of Technology, Science and Arts is committed to achieving and maintaining, whenever practicable, a workforce which broadly reflects the entire country.

Every possible step will be taken to ensure that employees and job applicants are treated equally and fairly and that decisions on recruitment, selection, training, promotion, pay and career management are based solely on objective and job related criteria.

Compliance

US University of Technology, Science and Arts will comply both with the spirit as well as the letter of the legislation.  The existence of law cannot of itself ensure that any policy of non-discrimination will work effectively – it is up to the Management, employees and students themselves to promote equality of opportunity for everyone.

Criteria for dismissal

Criteria for dismissal, including redundancy and expulsion will be solely those consistent with the provisions of US University of Technology, Science and Arts’ Disciplinary (Misconduct) Policy.

Responsibilities

Individual employees

Individual employees, therefore, at all levels are responsible for ensuring that their own conduct, in the exercise of US University of Technology, Science and Arts’s affairs, is consistent with this equal opportunities policy.  In particular they must not:

• Discriminate against colleagues, other employees, job applicants or students or harass them;

• Induce, or attempt to induce, other employees/students to practice unlawful discrimination;

• Victimise individuals who have made allegations or complaints of discrimination, or provided information about such discrimination.

Management and supervisors

Management and supervisors at all levels are expected to set an example in non-discriminatory behaviour and to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that employees/students act in accordance with this policy.

Monitoring of the Policy

US University of Technology, Science and Arts supports the principle and use of monitoring to ensure the effective operation of the policy. This will be undertaken by the Equal Opportunities Development Officer who will report their findings annually to the Management. All monitoring will respect the confidentiality of the individuals concerned.

Breaches of the Policy

US University of Technology, Science and Arts will treat seriously any breaches of this policy and all instances of actual, or alleged inappropriate behaviour, will be fully investigated and may be subject to US University of Technology, Science and Arts’ disciplinary procedures.

Grievances

Grievances concerning discrimination will be investigated in accordance with US University of Technology, Science and Arts’ normal Grievance Procedure.

Training

US University of Technology, Science and Arts will identify any scope for the provision of training and encouragement to assist in overcoming barriers to progression and appointment.

In order to achieve effective implementation of the policy, US University of Technology, Science and Arts will ensure that this Policy Statement is bought to the attention of all employees/students.