Business case for Diversity Strategy
- It is intrinsic to an objective in our Strategy.
- We aim to maintain our position as a university of choice for staff and students, both in the UK and internationally.
- In view of the changing demographics of the UK, the students and staff that we seek to attract in the future will increasingly include people from a more diverse background.
- We need to ensure that individual skills are not wasted, embracing diversity will give us access to a wider pool of talent and improve our staff and student recruitment.
- It is imperative that staff and students from all backgrounds have a positive experience whilst here.
- Adopting a flexible approach to working practises will allow us to maintain our good record of staff retention, therefore saving on the cost of recruitment Flexible working patterns help employees to balance their work and personal commitments and achieve their full potential at work. These programmes reduce stress, increase job satisfaction, reduce absenteeism and increase commitment.
- Diversity is high on the government agenda and has a bearing on funding we receive.
- Potential costs of legal services and compensation awards in discrimination cases may exceed £250K.
- A case of discrimination has an adverse impact on the morale and efficiency of those directly and indirectly involved and adverse publicity may damage the University's of reputation.