Blackfriars Hall > Policies and Codes of Practice > Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Blackfriars Hall fosters an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity, and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students are respected, recognising that particular contributions to the achievement of the Hall’s mission that can be made by individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Blackfriars Hall seeks to achieve equity in the experience, progression, and achievement of all students and staff through the implementation of transparent policies, practices, and procedures, and the provision of effective support. Blackfriars recognises that equality should be embedded in all its activities and will seek to promote awareness of equality and foster good practice. This is monitored through regular meetings of the Hall’s EDI Committee, the aims of which are:

To gather quantitative and qualitative data to assess progress towards equality objectives.
To report and feedback to the Moderators.
To keep abreast of and to discuss examples of best practice elsewhere.

Blackfriars Hall will seek to adopt policies that are not discriminatory, and which secure and protect the rights of all academics, students, and staff to equal treatment under the law, regardless of

age
disability
gender reassignment
marital or civil partnership status
pregnancy and maternity
race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins)
religion or belief (including lack of belief)
sex
sexual orientation

in the strictest accordance with the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and with the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Blackfriars is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment characterized by respect for others. Any form of harassment is strictly forbidden within the University and in Blackfriars Hall and Studium. Harassment may be broadly understood to consist of unwarranted behaviour towards another person, so as to disrupt the work or reduce the quality of life of that person, by such means as single or successive acts of bullying, verbally or physically abusing, or ill-treating him/her/them, or otherwise creating or maintaining a hostile or offensive studying, working, or social environment for him/her/them. Harassment relating to another’s sex, sexual orientation, religion, or race are among the forms of harassment.

Unacceptable forms of behaviour may include unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favours, offensive physical contact or verbal behaviour of a sexual nature, or other hostile or offensive acts or expressions relating to people’s sex, sexual orientation, religion, or race. Being under the influence of alcohol or otherwise intoxicated will not be admitted as an excuse for harassment and may be regarded as an aggravating feature. Allegations of harassment will be taken seriously and be seen to be taken seriously by those involved.

Blackfriars Hall Harassment Policy and Procedure

Blackfriars Hall is a PPH of the University of Oxford. Information for the University on gender, race, harassment and disability can be found in the University’s Equality and Diversity Unit’s pages.

Information on the accessibility of Blackfriars Hall’s buildings can be found in the Blackfriars Access Guide .