Al-Qasim Green University
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy

Date created: 10-11-2023
Last reviewed: 10-11-2024

Introduction

Everyone may participate and feel valued for who they are at Al-Qasim Green University. We work to provide a welcoming, courteous, and thoughtful atmosphere where staff and students can achieve their objectives. We want to make sure that:

• The University is the best it can be, with a diverse and high-performing staff and student body;
• All staff and students clearly contribute to the University's values and its broader impact.
• All staff, students, and University representatives feel safe, included, comfortable, and supported to be their very best in all that they do.

We want to draw in, hire, and retain employees, students, and university representatives from the broadest possible pool of people from all societal groups in order to accomplish our objectives and uphold our principles.
Equally, we will strive to guarantee that all of our guests, partners, service users, alumni, and other members of the public are treated with decency and respect and that their rights are upheld when they work with us, visit our campuses, or take use of our services and activities.

Policy Statement

At Al-Qasim Green University, we are dedicated to promoting positive relationships among our different community members and to ensuring equality of opportunity, results, and experiences. We will endeavor to guarantee that all of our employees, students, and visitors—as well as those who apply to work or study with us—are treated equally and that the University does not unlawfully discriminate against them based on their protected trait or characteristics. In the workplace and in society at large, our approach to equality, diversity, and inclusion offers a legal framework that shields individuals from victimization, harassment, and discrimination on the following grounds:

• Age
• Disability
• Religion
• Marriage or civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race

Scope

All academics, employees, postgraduate researchers, job candidates, and existing and potential students are covered by the policy. Treating coworkers, students, contractors, service providers, suppliers, and anyone else connected to the University's operations is likewise governed by the nondiscrimination and equality of opportunity, result, and experience standards.
This policy is subject to change at any time and is not contractual. To provide clarity, this policy also applies to representatives of the university, such as consultants, contractors, volunteers (both alumni and non-alumni), agency workers, and casual employees who operate for or on behalf of Al-Qasim Green University.

Our approach

Apart from being unfair, we think that discrimination based on these traits is a missed chance to benefit from a wide range of rich and varied viewpoints and experiences, and it may also deprive people of a voice and the chance to realize their full potential. We think it denies the University access to the full expression of community members' ability, worth, and contributions—all of which we know are essential to our success. Although disadvantage and discrimination may not necessarily be overt or intentional, we think they can have a significant influence. The University is dedicated to promoting equality of opportunity, fostering positive relationships between people, and eradicating illegal direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimization.

• The actions we are doing to achieve our equality goals and objectives are described in our EDI Policy.
• When the needs of members of protected groups differ from those of other persons, take action to address those needs. Involve staff, students, and other stakeholders in the creation and implementation of our EDI plans;
• Assess the impact of our policies, projects, procedures, and practices on equality;
• encourage members of protected groups to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low; and advocate for more balanced decision-making.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion through internal and external communications
• Ensure that managers and staff actively engage in equality training and especially those who have responsibility for recruitment and selection
• Assure that current employees and students, as well as those who apply to work and study with us, receive equitable treatment and are evaluated only on the basis of their qualifications and abilities.
• Assure that employees, students, and their representatives have access to suitable forums for discussing issues related to equality, diversity, and inclusion and voicing any concerns.
• Ensure that this policy is understood and followed by all contractors and service providers working for the university.

Our goal is to adopt a comprehensive strategy, making sure that everything we do improves the working and learning environment for everyone. No matter their degree of education or employment, all Al-Qasim Green University employees and students have important roles to play in university life.

Decision-making and accountability

The university community must actively promote an effective EDI policy. Therefore, the effective implementation of this policy is a shared duty of the University community. The University Presidency is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the University's equality commitments are met.

The managers and executives of our university have an obligation to:

• Set a good example by treating everyone at the university with respect and dignity and by confronting inappropriate behavior.
• Ensure that all employees and students understand this policy, know how to report instances of bullying, harassment, or discrimination, and understand that doing so does not make them victims.
• Employee rights as outlined by university policies should be explained to staff members (or they should know where to find such information);
• Complaints should be handled fairly and quickly; and visitors, consultants, volunteers, partners, service users, alumni, and other guests and members of the public should be informed of the policy or have access to it if necessary.

It is the duty of university representatives, staff, and students to:

• Read and abide by this policy;
• Report unacceptable behavior in a safe manner;
• Challenge objectionable behavior when it is safe to do so.

Implementation

All employees, students, university officials, and candidates will have access to this policy so they are aware of their rights and obligations with regard to diversity, inclusion, and equality. This policy provides protection to any employee, student, or representative who suspects they may have been the victim of bullying, harassment, discrimination, or victimization.

Approved by: Department of Quality Assurance
Date: 10-11-2024