A University for Everyone

At the University of Chester, every individual has value, and we’re committed to providing a working, learning, teaching and research environment that celebrates our differences.

Welcoming Diversity

We have an active LGBTQ+ society within the Chester Students’ Union, and our annual Diversity Festival has welcomed key influencers and activists from the LGBTQ+ community as speakers to raise awareness of the discrimination and challenges that LGBTQ+ people still face, and how people can become better allies. The University has also received the Navajo Merseyside and Cheshire LGBTIQA Charter Mark; one of only two universities in the region to receive this, by demonstrating good practice, commitment and knowledge of the specific needs, issues and barriers facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. We are also heavily involved with Chester Pride, acting as a direct sponsor, participating in the parade, providing use of University land for the event and hosting a stall.

“I have found it really reassuring and supportive that people are accepted for who they are at Chester. I’ve not come across one staff member or peer that has been discriminative. If you’re not confident about your sexuality, the

University and LGBTQ+ Society will make you feel supported and not alone.”

Sophie LGBTQ+ Society member

Rising to the Race Equality Challenge

We used the profile of the Black Lives Matter movement to look at the University with fresh eyes, to examine what we could do better as an organisation and to set about finding new ways to create a more equal society for current and future students. Following this, the Race Equality Challenge Group was born; in which staff and students, helped by an external consultant, came together, to promote, facilitate and enact positive change in regard to race equality and diversity across the University.

Since then, we have employed inspiring individuals, passionate about race equality and education as Student Race Advocates, who work with faculties, departments and all students to actively contribute to many aspects of the University’s work.

“My role as a Race Advocate is to ensure engaging events are run for students to gain an education and understanding from. Also focusing on the curriculum and policies within the University, aiming to make these as inclusive as possible for all. I want all BAME students to come to the University of Chester and feel welcomed, supported and part of the family.”

Gemma Race Advocate

The Disability and Inclusion team support students with disabilities, long term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health difficulties, social and communication difficulties, for instance Autism and Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) (e.g. Dyslexia). Support can also be provided for temporary or short-term injuries or illness. Specialist staff, Disability Support Officers and SpLD staff, will work with you to identify the most appropriate solutions to your potential barriers to learning.

The Disability and Inclusion team can also advise students about applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), creating Epilepsy and Seizure care plans, supporting disability related accommodation requests, parking permits and creating Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP). If you are returning to your studies following the birth of a child, are pregnant when applying, or become pregnant during your studies, we are available to provide confidential information, advice and guidance, as well as risk assessments. We take a flexible approach to support, wherever possible, led by you. This applies also to partners and to adoptive parents.

If you have caring responsibilities, and would like to talk to others who are also studying at the University of Chester with caring responsibilities, we have a dedicated Carers Network available on Microsoft Teams that you can get involved with.