Accessible and inclusive learning policy

Purpose

1. The University is committed to fostering an environment where all students can fully participate and reach their full academic potential in accordance with its obligations under the Equality Act 2010.  
2. This policy outlines how the University will meet its commitment for accessible and inclusive practice in learning and teaching. It operates in tandem with the Accessible and inclusive learning policy guidance. 

Definitions

1. For the purpose of the policy:

Scope

1. The policy applies to all Staff. 

Responsibilities

1. The following Staff shall have the following responsibilities:
2. Assistant Vice-Principal (Education) has responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the policy.
3. School Associate Deans (Education & Student Experience) and Associate Deans (Quality Assurance & Enhancement) are responsible for implementation of the policy within their schools and reporting to the Assistant Vice-Principal (Education).
4. Academic Staff have responsibilities to:
   • Ensure they are aware of the policy.
   • Incorporate the baseline standards into their learning and teaching practices.
   • Allocate resources effectively to ensure that the baseline standards are implemented.
   • Take appropriate steps to address any shortcomings when areas for improvements are identified, particularly in relation to meeting the baseline standards.
   • Regularly develop their skills in adopting accessible and inclusive practices.
5. Disability services are responsible for managing the policy and liaising with students to fulfil their responsibilities in accordance with their role.
6. Students have a responsibility to be aware of this policy. 

Inclusive Baseline Standards

1. The university has agreed that it will provide learning and teaching resources in line with the following Baseline Standards. Supporting information on each Baseline Standard is published separately within the Accessible & Inclusive Learning Policy Guidance.
2. Teaching materials
   1. Baseline Standard 1
      • Class teaching materials should generally be made available to students at least 48 hours in advance of any timetabled online or in-person teaching session.
   2. Baseline Standard 2
      • Reading Lists should be drafted and supplied to Library staff in accordance with the Reading and Resource List Policy. Adherence to the deadlines provided by Library staff will allow items to be purchased and made available to students in advance of course start dates.
   3. Baseline Standard 3
      • When creating reading lists, module leads should ensure reading associated with their module contains material which is easily accessible to all students and appropriate to the level of study. The Library can provide guidance regarding requirements on accessible formats.
3. Accessible digital materials
   1. Baseline Standard 4
      • Staff should generally provide teaching materials such as slides in an accessible electronic format.
   2. Baseline Standard 5
      • Wherever possible, all audio and video resources should be accompanied by captions, transcripts or other accessible alternatives.
   3. Baseline Standard 6
      • Staff should provide assessment and examination materials in an accessible electronic format when not delivered by an online examination platform.  Where an online examination platform is inaccessible, a paper to this baseline should be produced.
4. Notification of timetable changes
   1. Baseline Standard 7
      • Students should, wherever possible, be notified of short-term changes made with less than 5 days’ notice to class schedules and venues via email and/or through the virtual learning environment. The central timetabling system must also be updated to reflect these changes.
5. Individual audio recordings
   1. Baseline Standard 8
      • Staff must permit students to make audio recordings of lectures (online and in-person) in accordance with the University’s Policy and guidelines on the recording of lectures.
6. Use of hearing assistance technology and deaf awareness practices
   1. Baseline Standard 9

• Where the technology is available, staff should use hearing loops and lapel
• or other microphones. Staff should also follow best practices for deaf awareness.

Monitoring and review 

1. Feedback Mechanisms and quality assurance processes are in place to support students and staff in raising concerns about the effective delivery of the Baseline Standards, as well as offering suggestions for development.
2. The Baseline Standards outlined in this policy will be reviewed annually to ensure they align with the University’s operational priorities and sector best practices.  Recommendations will be approved by both the Learning and Teaching Committee and Quality Assurance and Enhancement Committee. Updated and additional guidance will be offered to address training and operational issues as required. 

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