Health, Disability and Welfare at SoGE
Disability
Students
Most support is organised through the Disability Advisory Service (DAS). Pk Kulasegram is the disability coordinator at the school and operates an open door policy – if they can’t help you directly they will at least point you in the right direction.
You can contact the DAS by navigating to their webpages. Alternatively, if you would like to talk to someone in the school, please contact equality@ouce.ox.ac.uk.
Staff
The EDI Manager runs ad hoc training around disability and is always open to suggestions on workshops etc. They are also always willing to listen and provide informal advice and are the disability coordinator for the School.
The university Occupational Health service can be a useful resource when managing the health and welfare of staff. You can ask your line manager to make a management referral for you or you can self-refer. Most people tend to prefer their line manager makes the referral as this way they are involved in the process from the outset, and it removes an added layer of executive function for individuals.
The Staff Disability Advisor can provide expert knowledge and guidance for Disabled staff and anyone managing a Disabled member of staff.
There are also external means of support such as the government Access to Work scheme. There are currently long wait times and if you have been in post longer than 6 weeks the department will have to pay a contribution to some of your equipment. However, if you have been in post for less than this time, there is usually no departmental contribution needed and Access to Work will prioritise your application. If you would like to learn more, you can contact visit the Access to Work website or get in touch with the EDI manager for an informal, confidential conversation.
Neurodivergence
Neurodivergent people are people whose neurological phenotype differs from what is considered 'typical' (neurotypical). For members of staff, there is:
- Neurodivergent community – a space by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people at work.
- Staff Neurodiversity Network - This is a new staff network for those who are, identify as, or are helping to support colleague who are neurodiverse.
Mental Health First Aiders
SoGE has a number of Mental Health First Aid champions and First Aiders.
Flexible working
Find out about our approach to flexible working, what you’re entitled to and how you might approach the subject.
Family Friendly Policies
We know that juggling work and family can be challenging for many individuals, and work hard to support our staff and their work-life balance. We have a number of family friendly policies, the details of each can be found below.
Flexible Working
Find out about our approach to flexible working, what you’re entitled to and how you might approach the subject
Family Leave
The university has enhanced family leave policies as part of our commitment to embedding EDI into our culture.
Menopause Guidance
Menopause can be a difficult topic to broach but it’s important we create a space where people feel able to share their experience and ask for the support they need. It affects everyone differently. Learn more about supporting yourself, others and the menopause itself by reading these pages.
Staff Disability Advisor
The staff disability advisor provides specialist support for disabled staff and anyone managing disabled staff.
University Wellbeing
The university is committed to the wellbeing of all its staff and students.
Union membership
The university recognises three unions:
Unison: Professional services and Support Staff (staff employed by the University in its clerical and library, ancillary, parks, and gardens grades)
Unison has an office at 16 Wellington Square, where, by appointment, clerical, library, ancillary, parks, and gardens staff may consult their representatives. Queries from Unison members should be referred either to their Unison departmental representatives or the employees’ Joint Secretary.
Unite (formerly Amicus): Professional services and Support staff (staff employed in the University Technician grades and in the Estates Directorate Works Yard)
The Chairman and Acting Secretary of the University Branch of Unite is Mr Peter Belk (Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics), who has an office at 41 Wellington Square (Tel. Oxford (2)82647). An answerphone message may be left on the same number.
University and College Union (UCU (formerly AUT)): Academic and academic-related staff
The Administration Officer of the University Branch of the UCU has an office at 16 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2HY and may be contacted on email: ucu@ox.ac.uk or tel: 01865 (2)88472.
Back to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
