As the proposals are still at consultation stage, we do not yet know what the full impact of these reforms will be and this lack of certainty may be causing you some concern.
We would like to take this opportunity to make you aware of the support already available at the University, and the work we’re doing to mitigate against the impact of any changes, as far as is reasonably possible.
For Students
We have well-established support for disabled students. If you are a student and would like some advice or support, please contact the Student and Wellbeing and Inclusion Service to access wellbeing drop-in sessions or the Student Advice and Support Service if you have any financial concerns.
For Staff
Please read this document to see the full range of support available for disabled staff: Support and resources for disabled staff at the University
Work is progressing to improve the experience for disabled staff at Loughborough. Currently, we are designing a process for implementing Disability Passports to raise awareness and enable staff and their line managers to put Reasonable Adjustments in place. We plan to launch and apply the Disability Passports in April, and we will continue to keep you informed of progress in this area.
We would also like to remind you about the Disability and Inclusion Staff Network who continue to offer informal support to disabled colleagues and are happy for colleagues to make contact with them. Please email Emma Nadin, Chair of the Network if you would like to reach out to the Network.
If you are a member of staff and would like some advice or support at this time please see the Staff Wellbeing website or contact the Employee Assistance Programme, an external, independent organisation that provides confidential and free advice services to staff. They also may be able to provide guidance and information on how to manage uncertainty and apply personal coping strategies as well as provide advice about how to access other services in the UK.
You can reach them at 0800 030 5182 or visit online using the username ‘Loughborough’ and the password ‘University’. You can also use the ‘My Healthy Advantage App’ with the code MHA119084. The University Chaplains are also available if you’d like to speak with them as another source of support for you.
Other external sources of support and advice for staff and students:
- Citizens Advice – for staff and students
- Scope – for staff and students
- Disability Rights UK – Student helpline