Dignity and Respect in the ICG

Here at the ICG we believe everyone has the right to work and study with dignity and respect, free from harassment and bullying. We are committed to the University’s efforts in widening participation in higher education, whether you are an undergraduate student, postgraduate student, postdoctoral researcher or staff member. It is essential we understand and accommodate everyone’s individual needs for our continued success. We encourage everyone within the ICG to take a look at the University’s Dignity and Respect Policy and the ICG Code of Conduct. We all have a role to play in making this department inclusive and a nice place to work and study.

Within the ICG Laura Nuttall is our Dignity and Respect Champion. You are very welcome to contact her (laura.nuttall@port.ac.uk or ex3138) or drop by her office (Dennis Sciama 3.05) if you ever have the need to talk. Her door is always open.

The Equality and Diversity unit within the University undertakes a wide variety of work to achieve an inclusive environment for all. Their webpage has many useful links to services such as the Staff Network and the Harassment Advisor Network.

Hopefully you will find the ICG a nice place to study and work. However if this is not the case, below are some links to ways in which you can find more help and report any incidents:

For students:

• Support available for students being bullied or harassed
• Student complaints procedure
• The Speak Up Step Up campaign. It encourages students to recognise that they have an active role to play in promoting and maintaining a culture of dignity and respect. There is also an anonymous tool to record any incident or situation so the University is made aware of the experiences of students. Something similar is being developed for staff and will be made available soon.

For staff:

• Employee Assistance Programme help and advice
• Occupational Health Service or advice on work related health problems
• Managing Stress in the Workplace
• Staff complaints procedure

For all:

A very useful link is to the policies and reports on the University of Portsmouth’s Equality and Diversity page. This includes links to policies and guidance on religion and belief, gender identity and expression, student carers, supporting students who are pregnant or have children and supporting students and staff during religious fasting.