Equality, diversity, and inclusion

The School of Modern Languages is committed to:

  • creating an environment that supports equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • achieving fair and equal representation for all, enabling all members of staff and students to contribute and reach their full potential
  • upholding its mutually agreed values - equality, transparency, collegiality, trust, respect, and accountability.

All staff operate under the University’s Equality and Diversity Inclusion Policy.

Report and support

The School is against any kind of discrimination and harassment on any basis, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. For more information on what constitutes bullying or harassment, please see the University’s advice and support web page.

If you need to report or talk with someone about issues relating to equality and diversity, please get in touch with either the School’s Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion or the Head of School.

The Report and Support tool is available to report any concerns you have related to wellbeing, bullying, discrimination, abuse, assault or harassment of any sort. You can report anonymously or using your contact details. If you provide your contact details, a member of staff will be able to contact you to help provide support. This tool can be used by students, members of staff, members of the public or visitors to the University.

Mediation service

The Mediation Service is available to students, staff and members of the public, experiencing disagreement or conflict, who would prefer a less formal method of discussing University-related disagreements and grievances. The service is also available for groups or teams.

The Mediators are staff members from The University of St Andrews who have undertaken formal mediation training accredited by Scottish Mediation. Several Post Graduate students have also qualified in Mediation. Mediators act impartially and separately from University Schools and Services. They are solely interested in helping those engaged in the service reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Mediation is a confidential, informal, voluntary, self-determined and without prejudice process. If you or someone you know is involved in a disagreement that is in its early stages or has reached an impasse, please contact mediation@st-andrews.ac.uk for an informal chat about how the mediators can help.

Athena Swan

Athena Swan Bronze logoAthena Swan started with the Athena Project and the Scientific Women’s Academic Network (SWAN) advancing representation of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) in higher education. It has been expanded to include arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL). Athena Swan represents all staff, including professional and support staff, as well as people of all genders, including trans staff and students. Levels of the award are Bronze, Silver and Gold.‌

The School of Modern Languages was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2021.