Staff Disability Statement

Introduction

The University of Dundee recognises that disabled staff are an integral part of the University community and that accessible and appropriate provision is a core element of the overall service which the University seeks to provide.

We positively welcome job applications from disabled people and have developed services to support the needs of disabled staff.  We are committed to the social model of disability, to removing barriers to access and to providing a truly inclusive and equitable working environment that fosters an employment experience of the highest quality for all.  This is a fundamental component of our Equality and Diversity Policy.

The University also recognises that a disabled member of staff may require reasonable adjustments, support and guidance to ensure that they have equal access to opportunities at the University.  The University aims to  create a culture where disabled employees feel confident to disclose a disability.

This document provides details of the support, services and facilities that are available to disabled staff at the University of Dundee.  Comments on the information contained in this document are welcome and should be made to the People Support team.  This document should be used in conjunction with the Guidance for Line Managers' in Supporting Disabled Staff and Guidance for Disabled Staff.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all staff to:

• Support the implementation of the University’s Equality Outcome Plan
• Comply with the Equality Act (2010)
• Promote equality and non-discriminatory practice
• Complete the equality and diversity online training modules
• Support the implementation of reasonable adjustments in the workplace

Discipline Leads / Deans of School /Directors and line managers are responsible for implementing and monitoring all reasonable adjustments for disabled staff within their Discipline/School/Directorate, managing complaints of unlawful discrimination, taking appropriate action to ensure the Equality Outcome Plan is implemented in their area of responsibility and supporting a culture where disabled employees feel confident to disclose.

Occupational Health will undertake assessments of disabled staff where relevant, liaise with GPs and refer staff to Disability Services for work-needs assessments as appropriate.

Disability Services can offer confidential advice and support to all staff and line managers as well as conducting work-needs assessments for disabled staff and identifying reasonable adjustments.

Digital and Technology Services are contacted, with staff member’s consent, when assessments are made that have IT implications to verify that any recommended assistive technology is compatible with Digital and Technology Services Systems.

The People Support team will support and advise both disabled staff and managers. They will work with staff to ensure equal access in employment and to opportunities and training. The People Support team will also, in consultation with disabled members of staff, ensure any reasonable adjustments are discussed, implemented, monitored and routinely reviewed.

If reasonable adjustments cannot sufficiently enable a disabled member of staff to carry on in the post, the University will investigate any other suitable roles the individual can be successfully redeployed into and provide sufficient training, if appropriate, to facilitate this.

If the above cannot be facilitated, then the People Support team will ensure that all options are discussed sensitively and that, if appropriate, early retirement on the grounds of capacity or termination of employment is processed smoothly and in consultation with the member of staff.

Disclosure and confidentiality

A member of staff does not have to disclose their disability to the University but there are advantages in doing so. When a disability is disclosed, the University will do all that it can to identify and arrange appropriate support and provision to meet the individual’s disability-related needs.

A disclosure can be made using the following;

All personal or sensitive information that is disclosed will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act. In practice, this means information about an employee’s disability will be used for the purpose it was collected and will not be disclosed to anyone without their express consent and all discussions with their line manager, the People Support team, Occupational Health and Disability Services are confidential. In order for support needs to be met, specific information may have to be shared with other members of University staff. For this reason, disabled staff will be asked to sign a Disability Disclosure Form

The People Support team may be able to arrange some adjustments without full disclosure; however this may mean that a member of staff’s needs are not fully met. If applicable, the individual will be advised of this and a written record kept of the agreed decision on disclosure.

Recruitment and induction

The University will not unjustifiably discriminate against any disabled person when determining who should be appointed to a vacant position. Recruitment and selection procedures encourage applications from disabled people; job descriptions and person specifications are designed not to unjustifiably exclude disabled people and all applicants will be assessed based on their relevant qualifications, skills and experience.

The University ensures that all candidates are asked in the interview invite letter, to inform the University of any reasonable adjustments required for the interview. This invite letter is accompanied by a Disability Disclosure interview form; the purpose of this form is to ensure any required reasonable adjustments are made and to inform the panel of the candidate’s disability. This allows the panel to ask any appropriate questions to understand the nature of the disability as it relates to the job.  Information obtained from the candidate will enable the Interview Panel to assess whether reasonable adjustments may be necessary to enable the candidate to undertake the job.  

Disclosure of a disability at the interview stage is encouraged so that all reasonable adjustments can be put in place to allow disabled applicants to have equal opportunity at interview. All staff at the University are required to complete Equality and Diversity training focussing on disability to support the University’s commitment to provide an inclusive working environment for all.

Following the acceptance of a job offer by a disabled candidate, the line manager will liaise with the People Support team to determine what reasonable adjustments may be required and how these will be practically implemented. This may involve a referral to Disability Services for a work-needs assessment.

Health and safety, risk assessments and PEEPs (Personal Emergency Plan)

Risk assessments should be reviewed when a member of staff discloses a disability to ensure that existing safety measures are adequate or if adjustments/additional measures are required.  These inclusive risk assessments will be carried out by line managers following guidance on the Disability Services Sharepoint website.

They will be reviewed on a regular basis. Training on undertaking inclusive risk assessments is provided to line managers.

In some cases the inclusive risk assessment may identify that a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is required e.g. staff who are unable to walk down stairs or unable to hear the fire alarm.  A PEEP will be carried out by their line manager following guidance from Safety Services.

Monitoring and statistics

The University is legally required under the Equality Act to monitor and report annually its disability disclosure figures for staff. These figures are collected via;

• Equal Opportunity Form (submitted as part of the online application process)
• Staff Record Form (Completed on line at the start of employment with the University and subsequently at regular intervals during the course of employment)
• Disability Disclosure Form (can be completed at any time)

This information is also requested to encourage disclosure of a disability so that all reasonable adjustments can be put in place to meet any individual work-related needs for disabled staff.

The University will continue to collect and monitor these statistics and encourage disclosure as part of its commitment to the provision of an inclusive and equitable working environment.

Support services

The University has a wide range of support services and facilities available to line managers and disabled staff.

People Support team

Location: Central People Support team, Level 7, Tower Building 

School Senior People Partners are based within the Schools around the University.

Contact: Elise Gallagher (Director of People) and Mrs Julie Strachan (Deputy Director of People)

Telephone: (01382) 386999 (reception)

Email: peoplesupport@dundee.ac.uk

People Support team website

The People Support team are the first point of contact at any stage of employment with the University and will coordinate the various activities and resources in place to support disabled staff. This involves;

• Contacting staff on a regular basis for a review of support requirements.
• Opportunity for confidential discussion at any time regarding circumstances or change in circumstances.
• Referral to Occupational Health and Disability Services for advice and support as appropriate.
• Liaising with line manager and School/Department regarding work-place adjustments.
• Assisting staff with Access to Work applications when a disability has been disclosed.
• Ensuring the University complies with current legislation and good practice.

If staff are not comfortable contacting the People Support team in the first instance then staff may at any time self-refer to Occupational Health and Disability Services. However, please note that in order for Access to Work applications to be made and reasonable adjustments to be implemented, People Support team will need to be informed.

Occupational Health

Location: Old Technical Institute

Contact: Audrey Burns/Isla Reid (OH Advisers); Lynsey McNaughton/ Muriel McIntosh (OH Administrators)

Telephone: (01382) 386948/385410

Email: occupationalhealth@dundee.ac.uk

Occupational Health website

Occupational Health (OH) is a confidential, impartial University support service, whose aim is to promote and preserve employees’ work health. OH assists in protecting your health whilst at work, is involved in assessing and providing advice on your current/predicted fitness for work and delivers impartial advice to management for their reasonable consideration, in the best interests to both the employee and the University. In sickness/absence cases, recommendations are made at an appropriate time in the employee’s recovery process. Along with other University colleagues, we aim to ensure that working practice does not have an adverse effect on health.

Occupational Health will undertake a consultation if necessary, liaise with GP’s and make referrals to Disability Services for work-needs assessments if required. N.B. Occupational Health provides a confidential service for work related health issues. Employees advised to contact their General Practitioner for all other health matters.

Booking by Appointment only; Email, Letter of referral from the People Support team, requests from Management, Disability Services, Health Service, Counselling or self. All referrals made with the express permission of the client being referred.

Health Service

Location: Old Technical Institute

Contact: Norma Smith

Telephone: (01382) 385168 (reception)

Email: n.z.smith@dundee.ac.uk

Health Service website

The purpose of the University Health Service is to give experienced advice and guidance with regards to the health of both students and staff at the University.

We can help you with:

General health advice

• specific health queries
• sports medicals
• GP information

Mental ill health issues

• alcohol or drug problems
• depression
• eating problems
• serious mental ill-health
• severe anxiety
• thoughts of suicide.

The Health Service is open all year and does not close during the summer recess and is open every weekday from 9am to 2pm. To make an appointment, telephone (01382) 384168 or email n.z.smith@dundee.ac.uk

Disability Services

Location: Old Technical Institute

Contact: Ms. Shirley Hill, Head of Disability Services

Telephone: (01382) 385402 (reception)

Email: disability@dundee.ac.uk

Disability Services website

The Disability Services department is part of the University's Student Services directorate. We are based in the Old Technical Institute, a wheelchair accessible building on the University’s city campus. Accessible car parking is available nearby on Small’s Wynd.

Disability Services offer a wide range of services specifically for disabled students but also provide specialist advice and support for disabled staff. Disability Services have responsibility for the identification of reasonable adjustments across all areas of University activity to ensure that disabled people’s needs are anticipated, as far as possible, and responded to in a timely and appropriate manner.

Disability Services can assist in ensuring that disabled staff identify the most appropriate support for their individual needs. The type of support offered will depend on the individual nature of your disability and your employment role. Confirmation of your disability from a recognised practitioner (e.g. Occupational Health, your Doctor or a Chartered Psychologist) is usually required for the provision of individual reasonable adjustments.

Disabled staff are generally referred to Disability Services by Occupational Health or the People Support team; however, Disability Services will also see self referred staff and can provide confidential support and advice. Should individual reasonable adjustments or an Access to Work assessment be required, Disability Services will liaise with line managers, the People Support team, Occupational Health and other relevant University staff as appropriate with the consent of the disabled member of staff.

Disability Services is open all year and does not close during the summer recess. Reception is open every weekday from 8.45am to 5pm. To make an appointment; please call into our Reception, telephone (01382) 385402 or email disability@dundee.ac.uk

Counselling Service

Location: Old Technical Institute

Contact: Mrs Caroline Adamson, Senior Counsellor

Telephone: (01382) 384164 Email: c.y.adamson@dundee.ac.uk

Counselling Service website

The Counselling Service provides a confidential setting in which to discuss personal difficulties that are causing stress and anxiety. By exploring an issue with a trained counsellor, it is often possible to get a different and calmer perspective, which then enables the member of staff to work effectively at its resolution. Please note it is the University’s policy to limit staff to 6 counselling sessions; however there is a permanent national helpline for University staff to access telephone counselling through the College & University Support Network.  This free service is available on 08000329952. 

The Service is open every weekday from 9am - 12.30pm, and 1.30pm - 5pm. To make an appointment, call in to reception or phone (01382) 384164. Short drop-in emergency sessions (no appointment necessary) are available each week day at 9.30 am.  

Facilities

Library and Learning Centre

Location: Small's Wynd

Contact: Dr. Richard Parsons, University Librarian 

Telephone: (01382) 384082 

Email: library@dundee.ac.uk 

UoD IT

Location: Park Place

Contact: Mr. Jonathan Monk, Director of Information Technology 

Email: help4u@dundee.ac.uk 

The University makes support, software, equipment, training and advice available to ensure that ICT (Information & Communication Technology) is accessible and easy to use for everyone. If you use a computer and cannot, or find it difficult to, access IT resources due to a disability you can contact the IT Usability and Accessibility Officer for support.

UoD IT have developed a standard desktop which incorporates an extensive range of assisted technology. More specialised software is available on request. It is recommended that users take advantage of the standard desktop as far as possible.

About the IT Usability and Accessibility Officer

Usability and Accessibility Officer: Mr. Rhouri McAlpine Email: help4u@dundee.ac.uk 

The University employs an IT Usability and Accessibility Officer to:

• Be a central point of contact for ICT disability support.
• Provide assistance to disabled people to access ICT based services and systems.
• Support local IT support professionals to ensure that disabled users can access their ICT based services and systems.
• Support teaching staff to make electronic resources accessible to disabled users.
• Provide guidance on ICT related disability legislation to the University.

The IT Usability and Accessibility Officer is contacted, with the consent of the disabled staff member, when assessments are made that have IT implications to verify that any recommended assistive technology is compatible with UoD IT Systems. Any equipment purchased should be UoD IT approved equipment.

The IT Usability and Accessibility Officer also offers advice on the accessibility of ICT systems on and off campus for people with a range of disabilities, as well as integrating specialist assistive software with University ICT systems.

People who have made contact in the past have experienced a range of difficulties. For example:

• Dyslexia - including difficulties with organisation and written language.
• Hearing impairments - including not noticing warning sounds or errors.
• Motor impairments - including having difficulty using a mouse.
• RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) - including the need for alternatives to a standard keyboard.
• Visual impairments - including the need for larger computer icons and text.
• Mental health issues - including where low confidence has affected their IT use.

IT Suites

Most of UoD IT suites across the City Campus and at Ninewells are accessible by wheelchair users.

The UoD IT Service Desk is there to help anyone with any problems or questions they may have when using or trying to access any service provided by UoD IT. The Service Desk provides a single point of contact for getting help with IT-related incidents, service requests and queries. It can be accessed in several ways:

• Visit the Service Desk in the Tower Basement or Main Library Level 2 (Opening Hours).
• Register your query online
• Phone the Service Desk on (01382) 388000.

ISE

Location: Old Hawkhill

Contact: Paul McPate, Co Director of ISE

Telephone: (01382) 384117 

Email: p.mcpate@dundee.ac.uk

Disabled staff are able to access all of the Institute's facilities which are one of the best in Scotland. If difficulties are experienced in participating in specific activities, staff are able to advise or assist where appropriate. The Fitness Consultation service also provides individuals with the opportunity for a professional assessment of current activity state and informed advice on appropriate strategies for personal improvement.

Chaplaincy

Location: Cross Row

Contact: Rev. Dr. Fiona Douglas, University Chaplain 

Telephone: (01382) 384156 

Email: f.c.douglas@dundee.ac.uk 

Chaplaincy website

There are opportunities to meet and worship with people of different religions in the University, and the facilities at the Chaplaincy Centre are open to everyone. The University Chapel is used by a large number of students and staff for worship involving all denominations.

The Chapel itself and the ground floor facilities are accessible to wheelchair users via a ramp, and the chapel has an induction loop system. There is also a coffee bar upstairs serving snacks and lunches, a library for studying, a quiet room and a common room. All of these facilities are fully accessible by lift.

The campus

The University’s City Campus is compact and on a gentle incline; it is therefore attractive to staff with restricted mobility. It is situated close to the City Centre, and within half a mile of railway and bus stations. The Medical School (located three miles from the University in Ninewells Hospital) is also on a regular bus route.

The campus provides facilities which cater for just about every sporting and social need and taste. The fully accessible Students' Association offers a wide range of services, including a variety of entertainment and catering options; while the Institute of Sport and Exercise boasts excellent outdoor sporting facilities and some of the most modern and extensive indoor facilities of any Scottish University. The City of Dundee offers theatre, cinema, music, shopping and a lively nightlife; many of its facilities are readily accessible to disabled people.

University buildings are a mixture of old and new. We make every effort (through either the re-location of meetings, or the physical adaptation of buildings) to provide for staff with restricted mobility and have made significant progress in this respect, but wheelchair access is not universally available in all buildings. Increased access to these buildings, and the incorporation of specific features for disabled users, is central to the University's Estates Strategy. Twelve main buildings - including the University Tower Building, the Main Library, the Dalhousie Building and the Students' Association - are fully accessible and most have accessible toilet facilities.

Building steps have white lined edges and many ramps have been installed. "Blue Badge" holders can park free of charge on the University campus and staff with restricted mobility are given priority in the distribution of parking permits. In addition, an increasing number of parking bays for disabled drivers are situated close to buildings. Induction loop systems are fitted in most teaching rooms and lecture theatres, and pager systems for people who are hard of hearing are also available.

Further details of the accessibility of the University campus and buildings are available on our Estates accessibility pages. In addition, details of the accessibility of individual IT suites and teaching rooms (including the provision of induction loop systems) are available from the room catalogues links on the University's Room Bookings website. The University also hosts detailed information on the accessibility of its campus and buildings on the national access register, DisabledGo.

Links with outside bodies

The University maintains links with many external organisations and disability groups including the RNIB, the RNID (Action on Hearing Loss) and the BDA. We are a full member of the National Association of Disability Practitioners (NADP) and the Scottish Network of Disability Advisers. The Head of Disability Services is also a member of the Scottish Government's Disabled Students' Advisory Group. This involvement enables the University to keep up-to-date with and influence national policy and funding for disabled students and staff, and to share good practice on inclusive provision with other institutions throughout Scotland. Disability Services' Access Centre is validated by the Scottish Government through their Toolkit of Quality Indicators for Needs Assessment

Development plans

The University will continue to develop its services and facilities for disabled staff, in particular in three main areas: estates, quality assurance and work-related support. It will endeavour to integrate the potential needs of disabled staff within its estate planning processes to ensure that new buildings and, where ever possible, refurbishment of older buildings takes full account of current and future access requirements.

The University will develop a structured staff development plan to build upon the existing programme of disability awareness training to provide specific information and guidance on inclusive practice, as well as on the legal framework of disability issues. There will be continual development of systems to increase accessibility across all areas of employment.

Further details of the University's provision for disabled people and future development plans are available in our Equality Outcomes Plan and associated annual progress reports.

Related documents

• Equality Outcome Plan
• Equality and Diversity Policy
• Guidance for disabled staff
• Guidance for line managers in supporting disabled staff
• Recruitment and selection guidelines