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What is Discrimination?

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Whether you’re a student or a staff member, any form of discrimination is never okay and is not tolerated at the University of Cumbria.. If you experience any form of discrimination, then we encourage you to report your concerns to You Report, We Support.

Please note: Your report will not trigger a formal complaints process, and the advisor can confidentially speak to you about both your reporting and support options. You will never be forced to submit a report to the police, or a Formal Complaint to the University- as this is your choice. 

The University of Cumbria is committed to providing an inclusive environment, where staff, students and visitors are encouraged to be their true self, in order to enhance the individual and collective experience. As a university community, we share the social responsibility of enabling this inclusive environment by valuing, respecting and celebrating differences, to ensure that we generate a sense of understanding and belonging. For more information about this, please visit our University Inclusivity Statement.

The Equality Act 2010 states that it is against the law to treat any person unfairly or less favourably on the basis of a protected characteristic. Discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably than someone else on the basis of a protected characteristic: 
Protected Characteristics Image, Protected Characteristics Image

Discrimination can come in one of the following forms:

Direct Discrimination - treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others

Indirect Discrimination - putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage

Harassment - unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment for them

Victimisation - treating someone unfairly because they’ve complained about discrimination or harassment

By Association – discrimination due to someone’s relationship to a person with a protected characteristic. 

By Perception – discrimination due to perception that they have a protected characteristic. 

The UK Government's definition for discrimination can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights
Some scenario-based examples of discrimination include, but are not limited to:
Discrimination Scenario 1, A scenario showing discrimination of a protected characteristic
Discrimination Scenario 2, A scenario showing discrimination of a protected characteristic
Discrimination Scenario 3, A scenario showing discrimination of a protected characteristic

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by bullying, harassment, stalking or any other form of sexual misconduct, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel. That's okay.

What happened was not your fault, you're not alone, and what you do next will always be your choice. 

 

Are you in Immediate Danger?

You Report, We Support is not an emergency reporting tool. 

If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured:

  • Contact the Emergency Services on 999

Alternatively, if you are on campus you can call

  • On Campus Security: Lancaster 07809 190566, Carlisle 07809 190530, Ambleside 07809 190531

If you are Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, a Text Phone is available on: 18000

 

Find a Safe Space 

  • Find a Safe Space: try to find a space which makes you feel most comfortable and safe from harm. 
  •  You may find it useful to think about what is meant by bullying and harassment, and examples of these behaviours. 

If you are not in immediate danger, currently feel safe from harm and do not need to report an emergency - then speaking to someone about your options is a great place to start. 

  • Report an incident: If you submit a report with details, a member of the Student Services team will be in touch soon. Your report will not trigger a formal complaints process, and the advisor can confidentially speak to you about both your reporting and support options. You will never be forced to submit a report to the police, or a Formal Complaint to the University- as this is your choice. 

  • The University of Cumbria Student's Union can provide support, advocacy and advice to students even if they do not wish to report.

  • If you are a member of staff and have opted to join one of the three unions recognised by the University;  UCU, Unite and UNISON, they will be able to offer advice, advocacy and support. All help and advice from unions is independent of the University of Cumbria.

  • ACAS:  gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice.

  • Citizens Advice:  give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. 

It is entirely within your right to formally report Sexual Misconduct. You can formally report something to the University and/or the police if it constitutes a criminal offence. 

  • Report an Incident: If you submit a report with details, a member of the Student Services team will be in touch soon. Student Services advisors can help outline your formal reporting options, as well as describing what these processes might look like and what an investigation would entail.

We would strongly advise seeking the support of a Student Services Advisor if you wish to report something to the police. 

  • Report Harassment to the Police: Harassment is both a criminal offence and a civil action under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This means that someone can be prosecuted in the criminal courts if they harass you. It also means you can take action against the person in the civil courts. Generally speaking harassment is behaviour which causes you distress or alarm. The Act also says you must have experienced at least two incidents by the same person or group of people for it to be harassment. It's the courts that decide if something is harassment under the Act. The courts will look at whether most people or a reasonable person would think the behaviour amounts to harassment. 

If you would like to speak to someone about how the incident(s) has emotionally affected you, or you would like to use some of the support services below for self-care, that is okay.

  • Report an Incident: If you submit a report with details, a member of the Student Services team will be in touch soon. Please remember that submitting a report with details through Report and Support, means that someone will be able to personally talk you through your support options and tailor advice to your needs. You will never be forced to submit a formal report. 

 

  • Wellbeing Support Services: The University’s dedicated wellbeing services can support you with practical and emotional issues impacting your wellbeing or mental health and aspects of University life, including referrals for counselling and psychology support.  

 

  • Students’ Union: Is the SU's Advice Centre with expert staff who can provide support, advocacy and advice to students even if they do not wish to report. 

 

  • Personal Tutors: If your studies have been affected by an incident, your personal tutor could help to explain your options with regards to academic support.

 

  • Togetherall: Both students and staff can access the online community, which supports populations with their mental health and wellbeing – helping with feels of anxiety, depression, isolation and stress, to relationship problems and lifestyle challenges. Togetherall have a network of trained professionals providing 24/7 support around the world. 

 

It is okay not to want to do anything at this moment in time. It is entirely your choice. 
If you ever change your mind, just know these support pages will be here to help direct you towards whichever option you wish to pursue. 

 

Looking For Further Information?

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) – Useful Links, Guidance and Signposting

The University of Cumbria’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) – Useful Links, Guidance and Signposting page provides a list of resources to support the integration of EDI principles across university life. It includes links to national and local organisations offering advice, support, and advocacy on a wide range of issues such as workplace equality, mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, anti-racism, homelessness, and religious diversity.

Highlighted resources include Acas for employment law guidance, Andy’s Man Club for men’s mental health, Advance HE for sector-wide EDI support in higher education, and Agrespect, which promotes rural LGBTQ+ inclusion. Local initiatives like Anti Racist Cumbria, Carlisle Key, and Cumbria Pride demonstrate the university’s commitment to community engagement and social justice. The page also references national bodies like the Equality and Human Rights Commission and CIPD, offering legal and professional insights.

This collection aims to empower students and staff with knowledge, foster inclusive practices, and provide pathways for support and action. It reflects the university’s broader mission to create a welcoming, equitable environment for all. For more information please visit the page here EDI Useful Links, Guidance & Signposting | University of Cumbria

White Ribbon UK

The University of Cumbria’s White Ribbon page outlines its commitment to ending men’s violence against women through its accreditation with White Ribbon UK, achieved in June 2022. This global movement encourages men and boys to take a stand by making the White Ribbon Promise - to never commit, excuse, or remain silent about male violence against women.

The university has developed a three-year action plan, approved in October 2023, to guide its efforts. This plan is overseen by a dedicated White Ribbon Steering Group and includes initiatives to raise awareness and challenge harmful gender norms. Staff and students are encouraged to become White Ribbon Ambassadors or Champions, roles that involve advocating for cultural change and supporting others in taking a stand.

For more information please visit the White Ribbon page here White Ribbon UK Accreditation - University of Cumbria

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