Equality and Diversity at Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University believes that equality of opportunity is essential to everything we do. Our aim is to create an environment where students and staff are selected solely on merit.

We will not allow a person's gender, colour or any other characteristic influence our decision to offer a place to study or work. We will eradicate unlawful discrimination wherever it occurs in the University and encourage the development of a diverse community in which everyone can flourish and achieve their full potential. Our Equality and Diversity Statement 2011 is here.

What do we mean by 'equality' and 'diversity'?

The Equality Act 2010, which is now the principal anti-discrimination legislation, requires us to take a proactive approach to equality and diversity. This means getting away from the traditional view that if we 'treat everyone the same' we will somehow have promoted equality. Edinburgh Napier University believes that true 'equality of opportunity' can only be achieved if we do not treat everyone the same. This is what we mean by equality (or, more correctly, equity).

Society is made up of individuals and everyone's needs are different. So, it stands to reason that the way we treat a student or member of staff with a disability is going to be different from the way we treat someone without a disability in order to achieve equality of outcome. Recognising this difference, and making appropriate adjustments to the way we do things, is the 'diversity' part of our definition of 'equality and diversity'.

Where can I get more information?

All our equality and diversity-related information is published on these pages, including historical reports. If you can't find what you're looking for contact our Diversity Partner, Mohammed Hameed, on 0131 455 3340 or by email at m.hameed@napier.ac.uk.