Policy on Religion and Belief Policy on Religion and Belief Contents 1.0 Introduction and Scope................................................................................................................. 3 2.0 Dress Code .................................................................................................................................... 3 3.0 Religious Observance .................................................................................................................... 4 4.0 Offensive Actions or Behaviour .................................................................................................... 4 5.0 Commitment ................................................................................................................................. 4 6.0 Further Guidance .......................................................................................................................... 5 7.0 Associated Documents.................................................................................................................. 5 Page 2 of 6 1.0 Introduction and Scope 1.1 The University of Sunderland celebrates and values the diversity of all its staff and students and aims to create an environment where the cultural, religious and non-religious beliefs of all are respected. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. 1.2 Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society or are necessary to fulfil some of the other principles in this policy . 1.3 We are committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, bullying, harassment or victimisation, where all members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. We aim to create a culture of diversity and inclusivity within our community, providing a dynamic working and learning environment, where all members are valued for their contribution and individuality. 1.4 Through our policies and practices we work to ensure that all students and staff are welcome in our community and do not face discrimination with regard to any aspect of their identity, such as age, disability, gender (including gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity), ethnicity (including race, colour or nationality), religion or belief (including non-belief) or sexual orientation 1.5 The University’s approach to matters of equality, diversity and faith are founded on inclusivity and the particular goal of providing opportunities for students and staff from many diverse backgrounds to share knowledge, experience and cultural heritage. Through the implementation of our relevant policies and procedures we seek to ensure that: a) Recruitment and selection are based entirely on relevant criteria, which do not include religious belief or non-belief (except in the case of a genuine occupational requirement). b) Members of any religion or none are treated with equal dignity and fairness. c) Where possible, appropriate services are provided to meet the cultural and religious needs of all staff and students. d) Our model of space provision with its purposed emphasis on Interfaith activity will also recognise and balance the needs of different faith and non-faith groups. 1.6 The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is absolute, but the right to promote these beliefs is balanced by the need to protect the rights and freedoms of others. 2.0 Dress Code 2.1 The University does not impose a dress code on its staff and students, and welcomes the variety of appearance brought by individual styles and choices which are appropriate to the University environment. The wearing of items arising from particular cultural or religious norms is seen as part of this welcome diversity. 2.2 Within the context outlined above: a) Whilst the University is sympathetic to religious beliefs, health and safety requirements may mean that, for certain tasks, specific items of clothing such as overalls and protective clothing need to be worn. Page 3 of 6 b) University clothing will need to be worn in some roles, for reasons of identification or customer service. If such clothing produces a conflict with an individual's religious belief, the issue will be sympathetically considered. c) The wearing of slogans or symbols which are discriminatory (e. g. racist or sexist) may result in the University invoking the Disciplinary Procedure for employees or the relevant student procedures. d) The University may require reasonable and appropriate checks to be taken to ensure (for example) verification of identity in examinations or to ensure that there is no use of prohibited items in examinations. e) Students on placements may need to adhere to the placement provider’s policy – e.g. schools may not permit students to do teaching practice with their faces covered. 2.3 University staff who may be required to work or represent the University overseas are expected to be culturally aware. This may require individuals to dress appropriately for the cultural environment. 3.0 Religious Observance 3.1 The University will make reasonable efforts to provide a suitable space for prayer, reflection and religious observance if practical. Information on the location of our faith rooms is available via the Chaplaincy. 3.2 All staff, regardless of religious belief or non-belief, are required to work in accordance with their contract. There may be some flexibility over how these hours are worked. Line managers should seek to ensure that those whose religion requires them to pray during certain times of the day are free to do so. In addition, reasonable efforts should be made to accommodate requests from those who require, for example, an extra hour at midday on Friday, or not to work at weekends in ways that conflict with their religious beliefs. 3.3 Requests for holiday entitlement to be taken at times of religious significance will be treated sympathetically. The number of annual leave days overall will remain as in the contract of employment, for all staff, of any religious belief or none. The dates of the main religious festivals can be found on the Equality and Diversity web site (www.sunderland.ac.uk/equality). 4.0 Offensive Actions or Behaviour 4.1 Any attempt at coercing others to comply with a particular belief system, for example through distribution of propaganda or through threats or offensive remarks, may result in disciplinary action. 4.2 The University does not tolerate offensive literature or graffiti on its premises and those found to be responsible will be liable to disciplinary action. 5.0 Commitment 5.1 In line with the University’s value of Inclusiveness, this policy aims to ensure equal treatment for everyone, of any religion or none. It is based on the principle that all members of the University community have the right to their own belief system, and no right to force it on others. We are committed to encouraging a positive environment where all members of our community treat each other with mutual respect and dignity. Page 4 of 6 6.0 Further Guidance 6.1 The University’s Equality and Diversity Group proactively promotes and publicises the University’s strategies, policies and plans. For further guidance on any aspect of this policy, please contact Human Resources or a member of the Equality and Diversity Group (www.sunderland.ac.uk/equality). 7.0 Associated Documents Staff (www.sunderland.ac.uk/hrpolicies) Equality and Diversity Statement Disciplinary Procedure Dignity at Work Policy and Procedure for Employees Students (docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-2784) AQH-H4 Student Disciplinary Regulations Page 5 of 6 Policy on Religion and Belief Date of Issue: April 2015 Next review date: April 2018 Approved by (e.g. Committee, Director, etc): Equality and Diversity Group Executive Board Date of last approval: March 2015 Author/Owner: Head of HR Business Support (Chair of Equality and Diversity Group) Faculty/Service: Human Resources This Policy can be obtained from the Human Resources website, Docushare or by contacting Human Resources. If you would like this Policy in larger print please contact Human Resources. Page 6 of 6
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