Equality Impact Assessment Summary Publications

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice:

The pledge focuses on Scotland’s emergency services, Alzheimer Scotland, and the University of the West of Scotland, who are signatories to the pledge working together to do the following:

• Ensure emergency service staff¬ have the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to recognise and support people living with dementia before, during and after an emergency incident.
• Work towards being dementia-friendly employers with suitable employment policies and procedures in place,
• to allow us to support colleagues who become carers or provide occupational health and other support to employees with cognitive impairment and or dementia.
• Increase inter-professional working across the emergency services and beyond, to maintain and improve the general safety and wellbeing of people living with dementia, their families, and carers.
• Support organisations and individuals across Scotland to develop more dementia-friendly communities.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice:

UWS recognises that dementia impacts on a range of protected characteristics in particular, age and disability. UWS’ commitment to the pledge will potentially assist in eliminating discrimination advancing equality and fostering good relations between the emergency services and the families they come into contact with by increasing awareness of the needs of people with dementia and their families, enabling an informed response to their needs during a crisis. In addition, it will have a wider impact by supporting organisations across Scotland to develop dementia- friendly communities.

Furthermore, we can potentially, in partnership with emergency services, collaborate to address knowledge and skills gaps and use our dementia education, research and enterprise to develop the evidence base and evaluate experiences of people with protected characteristics who are affected by dementia to further advance equality.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: School of Health and Life Sciences  

Date: 26/8/21

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice:

The proposed CRM development work would provide a digitally secure, backed up, data protected solution to the case management of the Student Success team, implemented in partnership with stakeholders.

• Improved tracking of student interactions
• Increased understanding of the work of the team, to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• More efficient referral to other Student Services as they are linked within the CRM.
• Ensure accurate and efficient reporting.
• Simplification of processes.
• Improve student experience, retention, and engagement

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice:

The learning analytics solution will potentially advance equality of opportunity for students who are not engaging with their studies to allow for early interventions and support.

Development of data recording on CRM allows for improved accessibility for all staff. The development of the CRM should allow the student success team to better track interactions with students so that students are not being lost in the data, thus enabling student referral faster to services and back to their schools. Having the student success team case manage their work in the CRM will potentially improve retention and engagement of students and therefore the student experience and success.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Student Services  

Date: 21/10/21

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice:

This Procedure sets out the way in which cases involving professional issues, which affect competence, conduct and fitness to practise will be dealt with by the University and is reviewed on an annual basis. The University provides a number of programmes which lead to entry into a profession or additional professional qualification for which academic criteria alone are not sufficient. The University, in conjunction with other professional bodies, has a duty of care to ensure that the student is fit to practise in their chosen profession.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice:

The procedure provides an opportunity to put reasonable adjustments and support mechanisms in place in the professional environment. It therefore has potential to increase, knowledge, understanding and reduce stigma. The basis of the Fitness to Practice procedure is to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of our students and those individuals and organisations UWS work with.  It gives an opportunity for students to disclose personal circumstances, disability, or health related conditions and as such has the potential to advance equality as reasonable adjustments can be put in place to support the student. It also protects the health safety and welfare of the public as it ensures that students display the professional standards required of them.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: School of Health and Life Sciences      

Date: 12/05/21

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice

The purpose of the amendment to the Procedure for Student Discipline is the introduction of Chair’s Action to consider plagiarism cases referred by the Plagiarism Panel. The introduction of Chair’s Action to consider plagiarism cases in which it is clear from the evidence presented in the referral to the Senate Disciplinary Committee that consideration at a meeting would not provide new evidence or information for consideration.
This allows the Disciplinary Committee Chair to consider cases that cause concern, e.g., involving International, Level 11, direct entrants - ensuring that these students are provided with a sufficient induction into what plagiarism is and how to avoid it within programmes.
Managing cases in this way help to reduce the time that students spend in the Disciplinary process. Thus, reducing stress and anxiety which can result for the student due to a referral.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice

It is anticipated that there will be no potential adverse effects following the introduction of Chair’s Action as the main aim is to reduce student stress and increase awareness of what plagiarism is and where to seek help at UWS.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Office of Vice-Principal (Learning, Teaching & Students)

Date: 12/10/2022

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice

The purpose of this proposal is to remove the £40 Assessment Only Registration Fee. This has historically been described as a Registry Fee but it has been agreed between Registry and Finance that the administrative burden of collecting this fee exceeds any financial gain. Most importantly it puts additional burden on students who are facing the burden of reassessment, usually their final attempt, and are at risk of failing to progress.

It is hoped that by removing this fee we reduce the burden on vulnerable students and remove the administration around collecting the fee.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice

It is anticipated that there will be no potential adverse effects following the introduction of Chair’s Action as the main aim is to reduce student stress and increase awareness of what plagiarism is and where to seek help at UWS.
The removal of this fee will positively impact all affected students. This could also potentially eliminate discrimination for particular groups in particular students who are living in poverty.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Registry

Date: 13/05/2022

Purpose of Decision, Policy, or Practice

The Student Academic Appeals Procedure sets out what constitutes an appeal and the way in which appeals will be dealt with by the University.

An appeal is a request for the re-consideration of a decision by the body that made the original decision. All Universities are required to have an established appeals process.   

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy, or Practice

UWS does not routinely capture student protected characteristics as part of the appeals process. It is acknowledged that statistically more international students contact the appeals team than domestic students. There are complex reasons behind this including a lack of understanding of when appealing an academic decision can be effective. This procedure is accompanied by a revised FAQ on the Supporting Your Studies page on the UWS website to support students that feel an appeal may be an appropriate avenue.

The procedure could adversely affect certain disabilities where deadlines are a challenge as the Appeals Procedure does place the onus on students to appeal within a specific time. However, there is scope within the procedure for extraordinary appeals to be heard outside of the deadlines if there is compelling evidence to support this.

Through our website, programme, and module handbooks and Virtual Learning Environment, the University endeavours to ensure that advice and guidance reaches all of our students at the right time for their studies to ensure that they can make a timely, informed decision. 

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Learning and Teaching Enhancement 

Date: 18/12/2023

Purpose of Decision, Policy, or Practice

The Student Carers Statement outlines the supporting structures and commitments to student carers both pre-entry and during their studies.

This statement outlines UWS’s strong tradition of working with student carer applicants and students. This Statement is a written confirmation of UWS’s commitment to Student Carers which is embedded in all our provision. The Statement declares that this is a strategic priority for UWS and affirms that UWS will continue to work in partnership both internally and externally with other supporting organisations to provide information, advice and guidance so that our student carers will have a positive experience at UWS from pre-entry to after graduation.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy, or Practice

No adverse impacts on those sharing a protected characteristic were identified as the carers statement outlines additional support available to student carers. There is no evidence to suggest that this additional support would have an adverse effect on any other group of students.

The statement will, however, positively impact and advance equality of opportunity for students with caring responsibilities through actions outlined in the Student Carers Action Plan, support arrangements and contextual admissions. Further, a key target group for support is young carers who are under the age of 26, therefore this age group is likely to benefit from the statement.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Marketing and Student Recruitment

Date: 18/12/2023

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice:

Strategy 2025 outlines the University’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion and that we will “strive to create an inclusive culture which celebrates difference and unlocks the talent in our staff and students”.

The Student Experience project supports the Curriculum Framework a key component of the Learning and Teaching Thematic Plan of Strategy 2025.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice:

The Student Experience Programme will implement the UWS Curriculum Framework, a key component of the Learning and Teaching Thematic Plan. It aims to articulate the pedagogical and curriculum design principles through which we make real the strategic goals for education in the UWS Strategy 2025. The framework will be applied to PGT and UGT programmes and phased in by Schools from 2020/21 onwards as part of a phased implementation within the UWS Student Experience Programme (workstream 1: portfolio renewal), with full implementation achieved by 23/24. It is designed to potentially advance equality of opportunity for all students with equality, diversity and inclusion embedded throughout the process to ensure all students, regardless of protected characteristic, are able to reach their potential.  It also allows the opportunity for staff to consider the role of the Student Experience Project in mainstreaming equality, diversity and inclusion throughout planning and decision-making processes

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Senior Executive Team  

Date: 09/09/21

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice:

Change to allow on-line and hybrid modes for viva voce examinations to continue alongside traditional in-person viva voce

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice:

The change seeks to offer additional flexibility in viva voce arrangements by continuing to allow these to take place fully in-person, fully online or a hybrid approach. The use of appropriate technology will allow viva voce arrangements to be tailored to the individual needs of each student and their examination team.

On-line vivas have been very successful over the last two years and reduced the travel time and cost burden for examiners, Chairs and students.  There is an argument that continuing this practice viva via use of technology promotes a sustainability/green approach.  It does not preclude having in-person vivas or a hybrid approach with suitable technology.

Outcome: Continue with decision/policy

School/Department: Research

Date: 02/11/2022

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice:

To ensure that the application proposes an exchange programme that is fair and inclusive and has considered people with protected characteristics to meet the three needs of the General Equality Duty

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice:

The exchange allows students and early career researchers to learn and collaborate across all participating countries with a diversity of staff and students. This will potentially increase understanding and tolerance, aiding in eliminating discrimination, advancing equality and fostering good relations.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: UWS Academy     

Date: 09/07/2021

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice

This procedure is required to protect the commercial interests of the University, its students and its staff in line with legal provisions around Intellectual Property.

It seeks to provide guidance to an equitable outcome for all parties in the commercialisation of intellectual property and it will be regularly reviewed and amended

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice

The procedure is designed to ensure that all parties involved in the commercial exploitation of intellectual property at UWS are treated equitably and gain the appropriate reward for their contribution.  This equity will ensure that there is no discrimination towards those benefitting from comercialisation of intellectual property regardless of protected characteristics or not.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Business Innovation

Date: 17/10/2022

Purpose of Decision, Policy, or Practice

The Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Policy Statement sets out the UWS approach to fostering a positive research culture and compliance with legislation in the conduct of our research and research related activities.

Minor changes have been made to the Policy Statement since 2018 to reflect an agreed need to add additional code, procedures, and guidelines. An additional procedure on Export Controls and Sanctions was created as part of the review and has its own associated Equality Impact Assessment.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy, or Practice

It is not believed that the Research, knowledge Exchange and Innovation Policy Statement will have an adverse effect on people sharing any protected characteristic. The Statement documents our overarching approach to ensuring we have appropriate governance and compliance measures in place. All related procedures and protocols will undergo their own equality impact assessment to determine any possible adverse effects for those with a protected characteristic and ensure mitigations are put in place.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Research

Date: 18/12/2023

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice:

This Policy Statement sets out the approach by the University of the West of Scotland in relation to the provision of finance services for all staff and students of the University. 

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice:

No adverse effect has currently been identified. Equality, diversity and inclusion principles in relation to the Equality Act 2010 and Strategy 2025 have been highlighted within the policy statement to give reassurance and clarity that EDI is fully considered within financial processes and underpinning procedures.

Protocols and procedures based on openness, integrity and accountability with equality considered throughout will potentially serve to advance equality for all protected characteristics and/or have a neutral impact.

Equality impact will also be further explored during the review of the procedures that underpin the Finance Policy Statement.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Finance

Date: 12/10/2022

Purpose of Decision, Policy, or Practice

The Referencing Statement is in place to deliver an official approach to bibliographic referencing and the tools to support it within the University.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy, or Practice

One to one sessions with academic librarians and academic skills advisors are promoted to ensure all students have access to the skills necessary for good academic practice.

An identified positive impact of the Referencing Statement includes all students and staff having guidance on referencing, providing a consistent approach.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Library Services 

Date: 18/12/2023

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice

UWS has a duty under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to take steps to minimise the risk of modern slavery in our own organisation and our supply chains. As part of this duty, we are required to publish an annual statement reporting on these measures.

Potential impact of Decision, Policy or Practice

We do not believe that the Modern Slavery Statement will have an adverse effect on people sharing any of the above protected characteristics. The Statement documents measures that the University is already taking to combat modern slavery and human trafficking and these principally relate to fair working practices, procurement practices and how we engage/contract with suppliers.

However, the Modern Slavery Statement does make reference to policies and practices that will have an indirect impact on those living in poverty by ensuring our suppliers adopt the APUC Supply Chain Code of Conduct which confirms that it does not use forced, involuntary or underage labour, provides suitable working conditions and treats employees fairly. This statement will also indirectly benefit those directly employed by UWS who may be living in poverty by paying them at least the living wage.

Outcome: Continue with decision/policy

School/Department: Legal Services

Date: 31/10/2022

Purpose of Decision, Policy, or Practice

The procedure was introduced as part of an overall review of all University policies and procedures in 2017/18 and consultation was undertaken at that time.

The procedure sets out the annual process that policy owners should follow to make sure the Policy Statement and any related procedures and guidance is appropriately reviewed and kept up to date.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy, or Practice

As the principles within the Procedure for Annual Statement of Assurance set out our operational approach to the review of our policy documentation, no potential positive or negative impacts were identified for any of the protected groups.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Legal Services

Date: 18/12/2023

Purpose of Decision, Policy, or Practice

The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing) Procedure covers disclosures made by members of University staff (including employees, workers and agency workers) who fall within the scope of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. The protection also extends to former members of University staff.

A review of UWS’s Accountability Code of Practice and associated procedures has been carried out to ensure they support the timely and effective investigation and resolution of reported concerns.

As a result of this review, provisions relating to the reporting and investigation of whistleblowing complaints is being separated from other elements of the Code and a separate Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing) procedure is being re-introduced.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy, or Practice

Whistleblowing is governed by law and UWS has an obligation to ensure the procedure is available to all members of university staff. The procedure will be applied consistently and contains a clear message that, providing the disclosure is made in line with the law, i.e. in the public interest, then the individual is protected from any detrimental treatment. 

Some individuals may experience difficulties articulating a complaint in writing, for example, individuals with certain disabilities. To address this measures have been included in the procedure to outline the steps the University would take to support individuals making a disclosure.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Legal Services

Date: 18/12/2023

Purpose of Decision, Policy, or Practice

The Records Management Protocol sets out the high-level approach to records management within the University and should be read along with the published records retention schedules for each department. The protocol is in place as a good practice measure to set out our overarching principles in relation to records management.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy, or Practice

As the Records Management Protocol sets out our approach to records management within the University, no potential positive or negative impacts were identified for those sharing any of the protected characteristics.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: Legal Services

Date: 18/12/2023

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice:

The aim of the menopause guidance document is to raise awareness of menopause as a life-stage, and the changes and symptoms affected staff may experience. The guidance document also aims to signposts activities and training which address and offset the impact of these symptoms on an individual’s career.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice:

As the menopause guidance for managers aims to raise awareness of symptoms and their impact it is likely that the document will have a positive impact for UWS staff generally, specifically those experiencing the menopause.

The Guidance document not only outlines symptoms and impact but also details how these can relate to protected characteristics – again, raising awareness of these issues will engender a culture of acceptance and empathy, which is conducive to a positive working environment.

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: People and Organisational Development      

Date: 18/12/2023

Purpose of Decision, Policy or Practice:

The aim of the Trans and Gender Reassignment Guidance is to ensure that the University provides a supportive environment for staff and students who wish to reveal their trans identity – the document encompasses a range of related areas and activities, with explanations of appropriate action, to ensure that all staff and students are aware of their responsibilities in this regard.

Potential Impact of Decision, Policy or Practice:

In the main, the protected characteristics that will be affected positively in relation to advancing equality and eliminating discrimination are ‘gender reassignment’ and ‘sex’.  The guidance will provide information to raise awareness and understanding and ensure that staff and students planning to undergo, have undergone or are undergoing gender reassignment will be supported during this transition process.   

Outcome: Continue with the decision/policy

School/Department: People and Organisational Development        

Date: 10/05/21