As part of your personal details, you will be invited to share information about your protected characteristics.

What are protected characteristics?

There are nine protected characteristics. These are as follows:

• Age
• Race
• Disability
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation
• Gender Reassignment
• Religion or Belief
• Being pregnant or on maternity leave
• Being married or in a civil partnership

Under the Equality Act 2010, you are protected by law from being discriminated against any of these in the workplace.

Why should I disclose my protected characteristics with the University?

Whilst you do not have to inform the University of your protected characteristics, we do value this data as it provides a clear picture of our whole workforce to ensure we foster an inclusive culture as an organisation.

We use the data in an anonymised way to look at trends across the whole University and this impacts how we review our working practices and policies as well as design and implement new initiatives. We can also consider the data on an individual and confidential basis to support you with individual requirements. Both ways of looking at this data are to make sure all staff feel supported and included in what we do.

For example, by disclosing a disability you may have, the University can help to improve your work experience through a review of your equipment, and any additional support you may need to undertake your job.

Alternatively, if you would like to observe/celebrate a religious holiday, by disclosing your religion, the University will aim to accommodate and where appropriate adjust working hours or provide flexible working patterns.