Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to life at Bristol SU. We approach our work with positivity and celebrate our diverse and unique communities. Our people are proud of our values and care about creating diverse and supportive communities that are inclusive of age, disability, gender, identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and experience. Use the following resources to help you reflect this and create a group for all students.
Equality Action Plan
An equality action plan is an active document used to break down barriers to participation and find mitigating actions to help make your group more inclusive, equal and diverse. It is a springboard to help identify barriers to potential demographics and issues within your group, and make real changes to improve EDI. The equality action plan should be actively updated and referred to during committee meetings and used to inform your Equality Statement.
Your Equality Statement
An equality and diversity statement is simply a written statement for your group about how you will avoid discriminating against people, and how you will create a safe and inclusive atmosphere for your members
Student groups can sometimes ignore or discriminate against particular disadvantaged groups unintentionally, without realising this is what is happening. Thinking about what you can do about this will help you create an environment which is as safe and inclusive as possible for anyone who would like to join and participate in your group.
Have a Discussion
Have a discussion in your committee about equality and diversity and what it means to your group to treat everyone with equal respect.
- What does discrimination mean to you?
- What does harassment mean to you?
Here are some basic definitions, but you might have more to add.
Discrimination is when a person is prevented from taking part in something based on a particular characteristic they have.
For example, if a gay person was made unwelcome at your group activities because of their sexual orientation, this would be discrimination.
Harassment is when someone behaves in a way which makes someone else feel distressed, humiliated or threatened.
Some people in your group may be more likely to experience harassment than others – for example, teasing someone because of their disability, or making racist or sexist remarks, would be harassment. Harassment based on disability, race, religion, transgender identity or sexual orientation is considered by the law to be hate crime, and can be reported to the police.
- What kinds of discrimination and harassment are you aware of?
- Do any of your group have any personal experiences of being treated less well or excluded because of who they are?
- Which particular groups of people are more likely to face discrimination and harassment? How could this affect your group?
The Equalities Act 2010 identifies a list of “protected characteristics”. It is illegal for an organisation to harass or discriminate against anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Have a think about each of these, and whether there is anything your group could do to improve equal access for all people.
Writing your Statement
This could be quite short and simple. For example:
“Bristol Flops is committed to treating all people equally and with respect irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation”.
If you prefer, you could make a more detailed statement that reflects the discussions you have had. For example:
“We aim to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. We want to challenge all forms of oppression including those based on race, ethnicity, nationality, creed, gender, sex, class, sexuality, gender reassignment, learning ability, physical impairment, mental illness, HIV status, age, occupation, income, wealth and unrelated criminal conviction. We aim to design our activities, services and decision making processes specifically to encourage and support participation from people who face disadvantage in society, including women, BME people, disabled people, LGBTQ people, and people on low incomes.”
Using your Statement
Your draft statement needs to be discussed at a meeting of your members, and adopted as part of your group. There’s no point having a great written draft that no-one has agreed to and no-one is aware of!
Make sure all new members are aware of your statement, and that you discuss and review it regularly.
Supporting Members with Additional Needs
As student leaders you may find yourself in a situation where you want to advise someone.
If you have a relevant and helpful personal experience to share, and you feel comfortable doing so, feel free to do so.
It is not your responsibility to ‘fix’ people’s problems or to have all the answers.
There is a wide range of services, both within the University and externally, that you can signpost to which can help. Find out more on our support pages.
If you experience or witness an incident of harassment, bullying or discrimination, the University's Report + Support tool offers a quick and easy way to let someone know and find out what support is available.
If you are concerned about a fellow committee member, or are struggling in your role, please do book in a Development Meeting.
Additional Support
Stuck with any of the above?
Development Meetings
The Development Team can support you with a wide variety of things including (but not limited to):
- Committee conflict
- Concerns about members
- Building Communities
- Breaking down barriers
Book a meeting with the Development Team or email us - bristolsu-development@bristol.ac.uk
University Wellbeing Service
The Student Wellbeing service runs regular workshops throughout the year to help you manage your own wellbeing. You can see a full calendar of upcoming training events here
Creating a Group for All Whatsapp Community
Join our Creating a Group for All Whatsapp Community where you will receive updates and reminders to help you in your role
