Diversity and additional support
All Heriot-Watt Careers Advisory Service staff are committed to promoting equality of access and treatment in education, employment, training and guidance. We work under the guidelines of our professional body AGCAS Code of Practice on Guidance, the AGCAS Equal Opportunities Policy and also the Heriot-Watt University Policy on Equality & Diversity.
We work closely with colleagues in the university's Disability Service to support students and ensure our services are accessible.
Recruiters and diversity
Graduate employers support diversity in the workplace and the benefits employees of different backgrounds bring to their business.
The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It is important to be aware that recruiters should treat you fairly during the recruitment process to ensure you are given a level playing field to allow you to show your abilities. There are key thresholds for the duty employers have to make reasonable adjustments both during the recruitment process and in the workplace. Further details about this can be found here.
You will find some useful links below offering more detailed information and support in relation to a number of diversity and equality issues:
General
Diversity Matters you will give you key advice from graduate career adviser diversity specialists in the UK on a wide range of diversity issues
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) - quality information on a range of diversity and equality issues in the workplace, including age and disability discrimination and equal pay
Disability Rights UK – policy and practical advice on employment, education and training
Diversity Jobs - an equal opportunities jobs and careers website with information and vacancies from a large number of UK employers to help students find the right career path suited to them.
Employ-ability – help and advice on applications, disability-friendly employers, disclosure and adjustments for the recruitment process. Also lists internship and graduate opportunities
MyPlus Students' Club – free online resource including featured employers, employee success stories, blogs, interviews, recruitment and disability resources and job hunting advice
Even break – website “helping talented disabled students and inclusive employers to find each other”
Remploy – through a UK network of branches and specialist advisors with disabled people from final year of university to understand their career aspirations and needs, create personalised support plans and equip individuals to move into sustainable employment.
Equality Academy – provides a range of innovative programmes in Scotland to offer opportunities for disabled graduates.
Into Work specialised employment support service for disabled jobseekers across Edinburgh, East, West and Midlothian. Specialisms in Autistic spectrum disorders, acquired brain injury and mental health.
Citizens Advice Bureau – page on your rights when in work and how to seek advice
Age Related Issues
Age Positive - a government campaign promoting the benefits of employing older people. As well as advice on legislation, it includes jobseekers' links to 30+ recruitment agencies specialising in mature applicants
Asperger's Syndrome and Autism
Auticon - an award-winning IT Consultancy business. We pride ourselves in creating autism-friendly work environments as well as delivering outstanding quality to our clients.
Autism Initiatives - Autism Initiatives provides a range of person-centred services throughout the UK and has a Scottish branch for local service and support.
Autism Network Scotland - Useful information on each part of the recruitment and selection process including preparing for work, identifying jobs, motivation & well-being, starting and support in work.
The National Autistic Society - Works throughout Scotland for people affected by autism (including Asperger's syndrome). Lots of practical advice on transitioning into work including list of local agencies that support people into work. Downloadable Finding Work handbook
Asperger's Syndrome Foundation - Includes employment issues for adults with Asperger's Syndrome and a list of career suggestions, including those to avoid
Deafness
Action on Hearing Loss – support for 16-25 yr olds moving on into education, training or employment. Contact details for local employment advisers who offer advice, support, guidance and assistance with developing skills, finding jobs and arranging work experience
Diversity Jobs - jobs and careers information for deaf people
Royal Association for Deaf people – offer a unique, personalised employment support service
To subscribe to an e-mail list of deaf related jobs (not a website) send a blank e-mail to: deaf-uk-jobs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
British Dyslexia Association - workplace information and careers advice
Dyslexia Scotland - supports people affected by dyslexia through a national helpline, a branch network and online in the Members area.
Dyspraxic Adults - forums including discussions relating to work and job-seeking.
Exceptional Individuals - recruitment agency which helps graduates with dyslexia find employment.
Etnicity
Ethnic Jobsite – job board with featured employers and job alerts. Searchable database of vacancies
National Mentoring Consortium – mentoring and careers programmes to enhance the employability of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students
Target Jobs - Finding race-positive employers.
Windsor Fellowship - programmes to aid ethnic minority students achieve their potential
Ex-Offenders
Target Jobs - Finding open minded employers for people with criminal records.
Apex Charitable Trust - Helps people with criminal records obtain appropriate jobs or self-employment by providing skills needed in the labour market and by working with employers.
NACRO - Education, training and employment services for people who need extra support in preparing for, finding and holding down a job, including ex-offenders.
Gender
Where Women Want to Work - A free online service for women to research and compare organisations and read the opinions of women who work there.
Child Care Link - For national and local childcare information
Target Jobs - Finding a gender-positive employer.
The Beaumont Society - The largest and longest established transgendered support group in the UK
Mental Health
Scottish Association for Mental Health - Has a National Employment Team which supported people to help them move closer to employment; gain and retain jobs.
MIND - Individuals and works with employers to develop good practice in employing people with mental health difficulties. The site includes a "Guide to Surviving Working Life".
Rethink Mental Health - Advice and information on mental health issues, including work.
Mindful Employer - Lists employers who are positive about mental health
Sexual Orientation
Pink News – Job board for Europe's largest gay news service
Stonewall - National campaigning group working for legal equality and social justice for lesbians, gay men, trans and bisexuals. Best practice guides to create an inclusive workplace
Visual Impairment
RNIB Student Website - Provides advice and support on choosing a career, links to jobs for students and graduates, and links to regional RNIB Education & Employment Centres
Blind in Business - Provides a range of services to both undergraduates and graduates who are visually impaired to help with job search, making applications, and preparation for interviews and assessment centres.
Support for Blind Employees - This guide will discuss your options, ensuring that you are treated fairly and equitably by an employer – whether seeking a new job, or adapting to a change in circumstances regarding your eyesight.