About Diversity and Inclusion at LJMU

The University is committed to promoting ethos that safeguards the dignity and well being of everyone and encourages practices that take into account the rights of individuals to be treated with dignity and respect. It recognises that discrimination, harassment and victimisation may be experienced by all in a number of ways, including day-to-day interaction with colleagues, peers, visitors and staff.

The University does not tolerate any form of discrimination which it recognises as unacceptable, discriminatory and unlawful, and is proactive in ensuring that people are treated fairly. This commitment is consistent with the significant progress that the University has already made in this area.

The University recognises the valuable contribution that can be made by staff and students in terms of qualities of experiences brought to learning, teaching, support services, research, consultancy, enterprise, widening participation, administration and management.

Zero Tolerance

At LJMU, we promote an environment where everyone is treated equally and with dignity and respect. We operate a policy of zero tolerance towards any form of discrimination and work towards equality, human rights and social justice. We have built staff support networks which serve as social networks, contribute to policy development and raise awareness of equality activities. In addition we have Student Sabbatical Officers, which assist with embedding equality and diversity across the University. Our Student Welfare and Wellbeing department also work to ensure all students are treated with dignity and respect.

Whilst the University recognises the valuable contribution that can be made by staff and students in terms of quality of experience brought to learning, teaching, support services, research, consultancy, enterprise, widening participation, administration and management. The University expects these contributions to be made with due regard to equitable treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity or other relevant distinction. The Equality Act 2010 which details protected characteristics, takes effect from October 2010 and we will operate a zero-tolerance stance towards incidents involving equality and diversity issues.

Bullying and Harassment

The University is committed to promoting an ethos that safeguards the dignity and well-being of everyone and encourages practices that take into account the rights of individuals to be treated with dignity and respect. It recognises that discrimination, bullying and harassment may be experienced by all in a number of ways, including day to day interaction with colleagues, peers, visitors and students.

The University seeks to eliminate all forms of bullying and harassment as it recognises that such behaviour is unacceptable, discriminatory and, in certain circumstances, also unlawful.

Individuals may be unaware of the effect of their behaviour on others and, therefore, everyone should take care to avoid giving unwanted offence. The University expects all staff, students, visitors and contractors to support the establishment of a pleasant working and learning environment that is free from bullying, harassment and discrimination. If, however, bullying and harassment does occur, there are a number of actions that individuals, or anyone who is aware that bullying and harassment may be occurring, can take.

Any incidents of bullying or harassment that do occur will be taken seriously and could provide grounds for disciplinary action that may lead to dismissal or expulsion from the University. Furthermore, individuals who harass or bully may be subject to criminal and/or civil prosecution.

All line managers, as part of their managerial responsibilities, have a professional as well as legal obligation to eliminate bullying or harassment of which they are, or should be, aware. All individuals will be personally accountable for their behaviour, actions and/or lack of actions, in cases of complaint of harassment or bullying.

Diversity

Diversity is about valuing the differences between the protected characteristics and appreciating them without prejudice and discrimination.

Inclusion

Inclusion is a universal human right which embraces all people irrespective of their protected characteristics to eliminate discrimination.

For more Diversity and Inclusion related definitions, visit our Equality Act 2010 page.

Diversity and Inclusion annual report 2023 (PDF, 2.11MB)

Access LJMU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Priorities and Objectives (Action Plan) 2020 – 2024

LJMU's Diversity and Inclusion Team work proactively within the University community to embed diversity and inclusion practices. The team provide both planned and bespoke equality and diversity advice and is responsible for the robust infrastructure of diversity networks which exist across the University and ongoing liaison with John Moores Student Union (JMSU).The team also organise a series of events, workshops and conferences for raising awareness of equality and diversity to ensure that a culture that embraces diversity is embedded throughout the University.

To contact LJMU’s Diversity and Inclusion Team, please email:  equality@ljmu.ac.uk.

Visit our Diversity and Inclusion Resources page or take a quick quiz on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion via Canvas.

Also, keep a look out for the next Diversity and Inclusion training opportunities, via our Training, workshops and events page.