If you think someone you know has been discriminated against, there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Understanding the behaviours associated with discrimination is a good place to start. Most people will be able to describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel.
Unlawful discrimination takes place when an individual or a group of people are treated less favourably than others based on a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership (in employment), pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex or gender, sexual orientation.
Discrimination is contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the University’s Dignity at Work Policy and our Student Community Code
Talk
To a friend. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help. Taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them.
Published on Oct 4, 2015 Based on the Samaritans guidelines for active listening.
Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps.
For Students
Wellbeing and Inclusion Support Team
University can feel challenging at times, and you don’t have to face it alone. The Wellbeing and Inclusion Support Team are there to support you every step of the way. Arrange to speak with them — they will take the time to listen, understand your situation, and help identify the support that’s right for you. They can also guide you through your options and help connect you with the most appropriate services, ensuring you have the support you need to succeed and feel confident throughout your university journey.
Student Disability Inclusion service
– the team can provide advice, guidance, and support to students about a range of practical adjustments to your work or studies and can direct you to sources of support.
Students can talk to their Personal Development Tutor.
Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA)
ENSA employs a team of professional advisers to provide one-to-one advice to Edinburgh Napier University students. It’s a free and comprehensive welfare rights and education service. They can offer information, support and advice with signposting and referral to more specialist services.
All of the residences have a team of Student Accommodation Officers and Resident Assistants (RLA’s) living in-house. This team can be an important source of guidance and support for students.
For staff
If you are a member of staff your People Partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you.
There are two trade unions that represent staff at the University: Unison and the EIS.
Health Assured is the provider of the University's Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), helping colleagues to balance their work, family, and personal lives. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through its confidential counselling, legal, and information telephone helpline. Employees also have access to an online health portal, which includes live chat support, as well as the Wisdom app.
Report
Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. They can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
They can choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff and there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow. Bullying and harassment are contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the University’s Dignity at Work Policy and our Student Community Code
Get Support
Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve experienced or heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the University's Wellbeing Service offers confidential help for students and staff can use the Health Assured Service