Disability Support at Northumbria University

Northumbria University is committed to work towards being a wholly inclusive and accessible organisation and this extends to our policies, processes, ways of working, environment and culture.  We recognise that many disabled people feel that the “medical model” of disability, which implies that people are disabled by their impairments or differences, does not reflect their experience. We recognise instead that disability is created by barriers like inaccessible environments, prejudicial attitudes, and discrimination. We are committed to identifying and removing these barriers, so that all colleagues have the best chance of achieving their potential and working without experiencing discrimination. 

The University has a Senior Sponsor for Disability Equality who chairs the Disability Steering Group. The Steering Group's focus is upon improving access and inclusion for disabled people across the University. It reports into the University's EDI Committee and is strongly linked with the Staff Disability Network. This ensures a strong line of communication between the Network and senior leadership within the University. 

The University was awarded Disability Confident Leader (Level 3) in June 2023 following external validation with excellent feedback.

We implemented an Adjustments in the Workplace Passport in 2023. It is designed for Colleagues who require reasonable adjustment at work due to a disability, physical health condition, mental health condition or long-term injury.

The passports are an effective way of recording adjustments agreed between the Colleague and Line Manager. The passport is held on the Colleague's Personal Details section of the NU People and Finance.  If the Colleague changes role and/or change manager, the passport still applies, although it should be reviewed with the new manager to make sure it remains relevant to the role.  

Northumbria is proud to partner with DFN Project Search, hosting a Supported Internship Programme for young adults with autism or a learning disability. Delivered in partnership with Newcastle City Council, City Learning and Sodexo, this educational skills based programme combines learning with real work placements and allows the students to gain valuable work experience which leads to good employment outcomes.