Sex (Gender Equality)

Sex is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Both men and women are protected under the Act. (ACAS)

For a summary of the key legislation see Equality Challenge Unit guidance: Sex: key legislation.

The University of York's work on equality in relation to gender:

The University celebrates and values the diversity brought by its individual members and is committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of gender equality. The University aims to meet the needs of its diverse student and staff population through consultation and engagement.

Gender Equality Scheme: The University's Gender Equality Scheme sets out how the University works towards achieving gender equality for staff and students. It includes an Action Plan on gender equality for 2010-2013 and data relating to staff and students.

HR Policies in support of gender equality: The University is committed to offering the opportunity for employees to work flexibly and has developed a range of policies in support of flexible working and in support of parents and carers. The University supports employee parents through the development of a series of policies around Pregnancy and Maternity including maternity and paternity guidelines.

Equal Pay: The University seeks to ensure that pay across all categories of staff including gender is fair and equitable. In the University’s Equal Pay review of 2010 no significant pay gaps were identified.

Services: The University continues to evaluate its services through appropriate monitoring and consultation. Student Support Services Annual Report demonstrates monitoring of its services by gender.

Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network): The University’s commitment to the advancement and promotion of the careers of women in Science is demonstrated by its success in the Athena SWAN award, for which the University has been awarded Bronze. The detailed submission reports contain staff and student data on gender equality. Three University of York departments received awards in April in recognition of their support for women in science - Physics received a silver award and Psychology's silver award (held since 2007) has been renewed. The Department of Electronics has also recently received a Bronze award.

Juno Award: The University’s department of Physics has been awarded “Juno Champion” status – the highest level of accreditation - by the Institute of Physics, in recognition of its actions to address the under-representation of women in the discipline of physics.

Representation on University committees: Work is ongoing to ensure that committees take account of gender equality in their work, both in their membership/make-up and in the impact of their decisions.

Training and development: In addition to the range of generic equality training opportunities through Professional and Organisation Development, development for female employees is available in the form of the Springboard programme.

Harassment: For more on our work in this area, see here.

 

What can I do to help promote equality at the University of York?

  • Ensure that all staff and students in your department are aware of the Public Sector Equality Duty and the University's Gender Equality Scheme
  • Staff: complete the online Diversity in the Workplace training module
  • Speak out and challenge discrimination positively
  • Help to eliminate harassment and report it immediately
  • Play your part in promoting a culture of respect and tolerance
  • Contact the Equality and Diversity Administrator to arrange for the E&D Roadshow to be displayed in your department.

 

 

Updated by the Equality and Diversity Adviser

January 2013

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