This strategy sets out our approach for the next four years to promote equality for both colleagues and students, while preventing and addressing all forms of harassment, discrimination, and gender-based violence (GBV). It encompasses the expanded definition of behaviours identified in the Hate Crime Act (2021), the full spectrum of GBV as defined in the Scottish Government’s Equally Safe strategy, and sexual harassment as defined by the Worker Protection Act 2023. Building on the progress made between 2022 and 2024, the strategy aligns with the university’s Equality Outcomes 1and has been formally endorsed by the University’s Senior Leadership Team and ENSA’s Sabbatical Team.
Our Aim
We celebrate the rich diversity of our students and staff and are committed to building a truly inclusive community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered, and where each individual has opportunities to feel proud to belong, confident to be themselves, and supported to succeed.
As a responsible educator and employer, we are dedicated to shaping the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow, taking an active role in preventing and challenging gender-based violence, racial discrimination, harassment, and all forms of hate. Through our policies, practices, and culture, we champion equality of opportunity and strive to ensure our community is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all.
Therefore, we will take all necessary steps to promote equality for staff and students and to prevent, tackle and respond appropriately and supportively to any and all forms of gender-based violence, racial discrimination, harassment and hate incidents affecting our students, staff and those who use our facilities and services.
To work effectively in support of our aims, we have adopted a multi-agency approach, fostering strong internal and external partnerships, and collaborate with local and national agencies. Of particular importance is our partnership with our Student Association (ENSA). ENSA is deeply committed to the promotion of equality and to preventing and tackling gender-based violence, racial discrimination, harassment and hate incidents, and the University and the Students’ Association own this strategy jointly.
This strategy aligns with the actions being taken to implement the University’s Equality Outcomes, Student Safeguarding Framework, Suicide Safer work and the forthcoming 2026 Mental Health Strategy.