Reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are changes made to premises, or any provision, criteria or practice to remove any substantial disadvantage that a disabled person may face compared to a non-disabled person.

This duty to make reasonable adjustments is owed to both existing and prospective employees and students, to applicants, and to permanent and temporary members of staff.

The Equality Act 2010 gives rights to disabled people who have, or have had, a disability which makes it difficult for them to carry out normal day-to-day activities. The term disability covers both physical and mental impairments that have a substantial and a long-term effect on the person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

A long-term effect is one which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or the rest of the person's life if shorter.

The Employers' Forum on Disability provides detailed information on the University's duty as an employer to make reasonable adjustments. This document is available to staff only, all of whom are able to register as members of EFD.

Most reasonable adjustments can be made at a minimal cost and disruption to the University. However, for adjustments which require more substantial funding support can be obtained via the Access to Work Scheme run by Jobcentre Plus.

Managers can also access additional resources to support them in meeting the needs of disabled members of staff via the Equality and Diversity team's resources webpage.

In additional it may be helpful to seek support and advice on specific disabilities by contacting a specialist organisation.

A mobile hearing loop system is available for loan to University staff from the Equality and Diversity Team. Please contact the Equality and Diversity Team if you would like to access this service.