Enabling equality: furthering disability equality for staff in higher education (HE)

At the end of the research we will produce a research report and guidance for HE institutions on improving practice to further disability equality.

NIACE and De Montfort University have been conducting questionnaire research with disabled staff in HE via an online survey and telephone interviews. We have also conducted research with Human Resources departments. This phase of the research is now complete.

During December 2010 to March 2011 we will continue to work with selected HE institutions, and will carry out focus group research with disabled staff and telephone interviews with Human Resources staff.

We anticipate that the research will be of benefit to disabled staff in HE, equality practitioners, human resources managers, senior managers and occupational health staff.

The project is supported by an expert Advisory Group, including representatives from:

• HE institutions
• Unison
• University and College Union
• National Association for Disability Practitioners
• Employers Forum on Disability
• Research Council UK
• Disability Equality Implementation Group

We have conducted questionnaire research, focus group research and telephone interviews. The data collected will be reported in our research report and will influence guidance for the sector.

We aim to identify effective practice to improve the working environment and career development opportunities for disabled staff. Overall, the will contribute to the goal of furthering disability equality in the sector.

Caroline Law
Caroline.law@niace.org.uk
0116 2044249
NIACE
21 De Montfort Street
Leicester
LE1 7GE

For information about ECU please contact

Kate Byford
kate.byford@ecu.ac.uk
020 7438 1020