New Equality Policy for TCD Launched

Posted on: 20 April 2011

A new consolidated Equality Policy which aims to provide an inclusive environment that promotes equality and values diversity was recently launched by Trinity College.   Promoting equality in all aspects of the College’s activity is central to Trinity’s ethos of academic and service excellence.  The new policy outlines the actions the College will take to identify and remove any barriers to accessing and participating in College as a student or staff member or service user.

The policy is relevant to all staff, students, service users and members of the College community and details roles and responsibilities in its implementation.  It contains additional commitments to ensure inclusive service provision, such as accommodating diversity across the nine protected equality grounds and taking active steps to identify and remove any barriers for service users.

Speaking about the new policy, Provost Dr John Hegarty said: “Trinity values the inclusivity of its community of students and staff and the contribution of each individual to the standing and vitality of this university.  This new integrated equality policy signals how the College will continue to offer equality of access and opportunity to all in fostering diversity and excellence in all its activities.”

Equality Officer, Karen Campos McCormack continued: “This policy provides a single document for ease of reference for staff and students and has been developed to further College’s commitments to equality in all aspects of College life.  It acknowledges the unique collegial environment in Trinity and the role all staff and students play in creating such a diverse environment.”

The Equality policy was developed under the direction of the College Equality Committee following consultation with a range of College student services and administrative areas, senior management and student representatives.  It was developed within the framework provided by the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2010, Equal Status Acts 2000-2010 and Disability Act 2005 and was approved by Board on 2 February 2011.  The Equality Policy replaces the previous Access and Equality Policy, the Equal Opportunity Policy and the Equal Employment Opportunity, and the Selection of Staff guidelines.