The document discusses the University of Sussex Students' Union's (USSU) commitment to equality of opportunity and inclusive culture. It outlines USSU's values, equal opportunities policy, and expectations that all student groups comply with accessibility, inclusion, and non-discrimination in their activities and communications. Failure to follow USSU's equal opportunities policy could result in loss of funding or disciplinary action.

1. USSU’s Values Participation Empowerment Respect Fun Democracy Openness Collaboration The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity

2. Equality & Diversity Objectives Awareness of equality and diversity Knowledge of our Equal Opportunities policy Consideration of enablers to equality The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity

3. Accessibility Why do you need to be accessible? To be inclusive Why do you need to be inclusive? To appeal to the widest pool of people and gain the best members for the success of your group Consider the experiences you’ve had through USSU activities – it’s a right to participate in clubs and societies and no one should be prevented from doing so The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity

4. Barriers to participation Consider some of the barriers to participation in your club or society The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity Times of meetings/socials Alcohol based socials only Use of acronyms and in-jokes Fear/anxiety about others’ attitudes Inaccessible or difficult to find information Non-inclusive policies and practices Perception of group Language Behaviour Cultural Inaccessible buildings

5. What is equality? Ensuring everyone has fair access to jobs and promotion, services and opportunities both learning and support Ensuring that discrimination is prohibited Complying with anti-discrimination laws Ensuring we are meeting good practice guidelines The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity

6. USSU Equal Opportunities Policy The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity All elected officers and members of staff of the USSU are responsible for their own behaviour and should strive to ensure equal opportunities practise within their remit. They may be held personally accountable should any complaint arise against them All USSU members (ie: students) are responsible for their own behaviour and should strive to respect and demonstrate equal opportunities principles. The full policy is available online and on request from the Activities Centre

7. Code of Conduct The Club/Society Committee shall: Act in accordance with the principals of the Union’s Equal Opportunities policy and not discriminate on any grounds including, but not limited to sexuality, race, gender, age or disability The Club/Society Members (ordinary and committee) shall: Comply with the Union Constitution, Code of Conduct and Equal Opportunities Policy. Respect the rights and dignity of others and ensure that threatening or intimidating behaviour is not tolerated towards members, students, staff or the public. N.B. Club/Society Activity is described as any activity involving a group of students who are primarily connected through their Club or Society and can be viewed as representing such by an external body whether this activity is officially recognised or not by the Club/Society, Union or University The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity

8. Are you conforming to the policy? The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity Consider your actions, words and attitudes Consider your publicity, website Essentially – anything connected to your group You can ask for advice from the Activities Centre

9. So we’re ok if no one complains? The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity we’re only joking, no one minds, it’s part of our culture, it’s just the Union being PC, we’ve always done it… WRONG! Doing anything which contravenes our policies (and/or the law) is wrong and you risk being punished regardless of whether someone makes a complaint

10. What happens if we breach the policy? This could mean… Withdrawal of funding, support and/or resources Withdrawal from fixtures and/or training (sports clubs) Withdrawal of individual’s USSU, USSU Sport and/or society membership Complaint taken further; University and/or the Police The University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We will demonstrate this by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, supporting and encouraging all under-represented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture which values diversity Any groups or individuals contravening this equal opportunities policy will be subject to disciplinary procedures and patronage and support will be reviewed