We want all members of our community to feel they belong at Sussex and to have the opportunity to contribute and thrive. Find out details of our commitments and approach to dignity, respect and inclusion below.
The University is committed to promoting equality and to creating an inclusive working, learning and living environment where all members of our diverse community can know that they belong and are treated fairly and with respect and dignity, in order to enable everyone to achieve their full potential.
Our core values are collaboration, courage, inclusion, integrity, kindness and openness, and we seek to embody these in all we do so that all members of our community can make a contribution and thrive.
The University will foster a positive culture for working, learning and living which supports freedom of thought and freedom of expression within the law, and within the legal framework of respect for the rights of other people.
The University seeks to ensure that all members of the University community – staff, students, those with honorary or visiting attachments, and members of Council, as well as those who provide services to us and visitors to our campus:
- are valued for their skills, abilities and contributions;
- are treated with dignity and respect;
- are able to study, work and live on campus free from bullying, harassment, victimisation or violence;
- experience no form of unlawful discrimination;
- are able to impart ideas, opinions and information freely subject only to limitations provided by the law.
The University takes incidents of discrimination, bullying and harassment, victimisation and violence very seriously. Where appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken under staff or student disciplinary procedures. All allegations of discrimination, bullying, harassment, victimisation and violence should be raised in accordance with this policy. For more details see Routes for Resolution [PDF 133KB]. You can also share any concerns through our Report and Support tool.
Report and Support
If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, use our Report and Support tool to let us know.
Useful links
- Complaints Procedure for Members of the Public
- Definitions of Violence
- Transitioning at Work: Guidance for Staff and Managers
- Transitioning at Work Policy
- Relationships Policy
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion homepage
- Workplace Adjustments
- Staff Wellbeing Hub
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Menopause support and information
- Online training for staff
- Disability support for students
- Student Wellbeing Pages
- Email best practice guidance
- Freedom of Speech landing page
- ACAS guidance: Disability discrimination: key points for the workplace [PDF 610.05KB]
- ACAS case studies of handling Bullying and Harassment
- ‘Changing the Culture’ : Universities UK [PDF 1.4MB]