Equal Opportunities
The Careers and Employment Centre is committed to equality of career opportunity for all students. Do tell us how we can best support you in order to ensure accessibility to all of the services that we offer.
General Information
When you are looking for a job you may have concerns about how employers handle your application. You may see references on employer websites to 'equal opportunity' and 'diversity' These words can mean a variety of things but all employers are bound by various pieces of legislaton to prevent discrimination in the workplace and in the recruitment process. In general the distinction between these words can reflect a legal commitment versus an organisation's value base. For example:
Equal opportunities might signal an organisation's commitment in adhering to external legislation and initiatives. Diversity may signal their commitment to fostering a culture of diversity within its workforce to promote a happier, creative and productive environment
Equal opportunities indicates a compliance with legislation. Diversity indicates value-driven strategies over and above legal frameworks
Equal opportunities aims for parity across the workforce. Diversity aims for positive acceptance of differences throughout the workforce
Equal opportunities protects the population groups covered by the various legislative acts. Diversity develops all population groups even if not covered by legislative acts
Equal opportunities is usually promoted by a policy group within an organisation. Diversity is cultivated throughout the workforce of an organisation
Remember that regardless of whether the employer includes these words or statments on their website or other literature they are still bound by legislation. Look at the resources below for more informaton.
Resources
- Prospects
- Diversity - News site exploring issues around diversity. Site includes a job search facility.
- Diversity Exchange - European central information resource for equality and diversity.
- Equality and Human Rights Commission - Campaigns, advice and information in respect of issues relating to equal opportunities.
- TARGET Chances www.targetchances.co.uk/ runs a range of information and networking events to promote diversity, including consulting, engineering, fund management, investment banking, law, professional services, public sector, real estate, retail and technology
The following sections contain useful links for specific groups to find advice and information:
Age
This section contains links to organisations that offer support, advice and information within the context of age and employment.
You may find the mature students pages useful.
Race
Equality and Human Rights Commission - national body offering detailed information and advice
Black and Asian Grad website - advice and vacancies
Ethnic Minorities Jobsite
www.emjobsite.co.uk focus is to improve recruitment and other communications with black and minority ethnic people and groups, and encourage applications from them
Equality Britain
www.ethnicbritain.co.uk promotes opportunites in employment and education to BME communities. Used by organisations across the UK to promote their commitment to equality
Prospects web - section aimed at ethnic minority students and graduates
KAL www.kalmagazine.com magazine for ethnic minority students
Work Experience Schemes
Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) London www.seo-london.org a not-for- profit organisation that provides outstanding penultimate year under-graduate students from under-represented ethnic minority backgrounds with a unique opportunity to gain summer internships at some of the most prestigious firms in investment banking, technology and corporate law. Also offer a "Fast Track for Investment Banking" programme aimed at first year students.
Civil Service Fast Stream Summer Development Programme for graduates and undergraduates from ethnic minority backgrounds. This is open to Ethnic Minority students and graduates of all disciplines who are UK nationals and who have or expect a minimum 2:2 degree.
To apply and to find out more please visit the web site www.diversity.faststream.gov.uk
The Windsor Fellowship Leadership Programme www.windsorfellowship.org provides personal development training and work placements with sponsoring organisations for Black and Asian students. These include management consultancies, investment banks, manufacturing companies, media and government organisations.
Organisations which run events, courses and the promotion of equality of opportunity:
Gender
Recent statistics continue to demonstrate that women earn less than men regardless of whether they have the same qualifications, experience or perform the same job - despite legislation dating from the early 1970s. Gender inequalities don't just concern financial reward - there are the other issues of recruitment, employment, career development and working conditions, whether you are male or female.
The Sunday Times guide, 100 Best Companies to Work For includes a list of the
Top 50 Companies for Women.
'
Where women want to work' another list of companies for women
Opportunity Now is a membership organisation for employers who are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for women
www.opportunitynow.org.uk
Mother@Work
www.motheratwork.co.uk monthly webzine dedicated to working mothers, which includes job vacancies and an Employer of Choice listing of employers who have demonstrated their commitment to providing a good work-life balance
The Prospects website contains a very useful range of information and links on gender issues.
Equality and Human Rights Commission has information on legislation, best practice and advice for those with concerns about discrimination on grounds of gender.
Prospects Web has a section aimed at female students and graduates - advice and links to resources .
Women and Equality Unit
Where Women Want to Work - a database developed by Auroravoice Consultancy.
Aurora Women's Network Events.
Sexual Orientation
Disclosing your sexuality to a prospective employer is a personal decision you must make for yourself. Changing attitudes in society generally and less intolerance in the workplace, including specific legislation, has resulted in a more open culture in most organisations. It is, however, worth researching companies and organisations to find out what policies they have in place regarding sexual orientation.
If you would like to discuss, for example, the issue of disclosure, we offer a confidential information and guidance service with a Careers Counsellor during 'drop-in' sessions and at longer guidance interviews. We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive service to all students and recent graduates.
The Prospects website contains a range of information and links on sexual orientation.
Further Information
Stonewall - proactive employers and LBGT information, incuding 'Top 100 Employers of Gay Graduates' list. See their employment guide
Offenders
Disclosing a previous conviction, however long ago it might have been, is worrying for many ex-offenders. Attitudes in society have changed over recent years and there is less intolerance in the workplace. However it remains a complicated issue. Some of the frequently asked questions of advisers are: What do I tell a potential employer? How do I tell them? When do I tell them? Student Services in the University run counselling sessions on a wide range of issues and you can get confidential guidance, advice and information dealing with previous convictions and jobs by attending one of the drop-in sessions with a Careers Counsellor.
Below are some useful links to organisations that offer support, advice and information within the context of offending and employment.
- Prospects website - Excellent section on a range of issues affecting offenders including rehabilitation periods and finding positive employers.
- Home Office - Information about rehabilitation periods and details of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
- NACRO - National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders is a crime reduction charity that offers a range of services, including employment, to disadvantaged people.