Dear colleagues,

As we begin the 2025/26 academic year, we would like to ensure all staff are aware of how best to support inclusive learning and teaching. This includes accessible student processes, policies and making use of the support and resources available to you.

This is especially important for our disabled students and remains a key priority for the University, as well as a central focus of the Inclusive Education Steering Group (IESG).

We kindly ask that you take some time to review the updated guidance and training for Semester 1 and reflect on how inclusive practices can be embedded into your role. Even if you are not in a student-facing position, we encourage you to consider inclusive approaches and complete the updated Disability Awareness training, now available to all staff.

Academic Teaching Staff:

Please:

  • Take 30 minutes to complete the updated Disability Awareness training e-module for universities, covering foundational knowledge of the 2010 Equality Act, and obligations under it in respect of disability. Note: you will need to select 'course catalogue' within the Learn Upon platform and then enrol on the course from this list.
  • Help ensure your practices are inclusive by following our Top 10 recommendations for 2025/26, including impactful anticipatory actions for teaching and enhancing student support.
  • Familiarise yourself with new CLT guidance on anticipatory support and reasonable adjustments for group work and oral assessments.
  • During Academic Advisor meetings or tutorials, check in with students about Disability Access Plans (DAPs) and any barriers to accessing their course, and encourage early engagement with Disability Advice services (you can find some suggested wording to use in the Top 10 linked above). Be mindful of the fact that departments may need to make adjustments for students who have not formally disclosed a disability or have a DAP.
  • Escalate concerns to Unit Conveners or Directors of Studies where students face barriers to learning or assessment.

Unit Conveners (UCs):

In addition to the above, please:

  • Monitor DAPs in SAMIS for your units and share relevant information with colleagues responsible for delivering the unit who cannot access DAPs (e.g. external lecturers, technical staff, doctoral students who teach).
  • Mention disability support in your first teaching sessions, encouraging students to seek advice early.
  • Promote inclusive teaching practices across your unit amongst colleagues.
  • Respond to concerns from students or staff, seek specialist advice from the Disability Service, and escalate as needed.

Directors of Studies, Directors of Teaching, and Associate Deans (Education):

Please, also:

  • Look out for the start of Semester 1 update email from the Disability Service, which will include data on the number of students who have declared a disability and a link to new guidance on accessing DAP information in SAMIS. This guidance is currently being finalised, and further details are available on the DAP Enhancements SharePoint site.
  • Share this update and resources at departmental meetings and forums.
  • Respond to concerns about reasonable adjustments, DAPs, or inclusive practices, and liaise with academic colleagues, Faculty Assistant Registrars, the Disability Service or other specialist teams as needed.

Professional Services and Technical Staff:

If you support students or academic colleagues:

  • Complete the updated Disability Awareness training e-module. Note: you will need to select 'course catalogue' within the Learn Upon platform and then enrol on the course from this list.
  • Support inclusive practices in your role and take appropriate action when students encounter barriers to accessing education, services, processes, or support. This may include raising concerns with your line manager or relevant teams.
  • Promote awareness of inclusive education resources within your teams.

Stay Engaged with the Inclusive Education Project

The IESG continues to lead work to improve inclusive practice across the University.

We encourage all staff to:

  • Visit the Inclusive Education Project SharePoint site for updates, resources, and FAQs.
  • Use the form on the site to register your interest, raise queries or concerns, and highlight staff training needs (including feedback on the updated Disability Awareness training).
  • Engage with the IESG workstreams and opportunities throughout the year.

Thank you for your continued commitment to inclusive education and for helping us create a learning environment where all students can thrive. We will continue to provide updates as this work progresses, and you can get in touch with us directly at any time to discuss queries or concerns.

With best wishes,

Professor Cassie Wilson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience & Sport)

Professor Julian Chaudhuri, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education)