Age legislation: providing services
What age legislation means for higher education institutions providing services
There will be issues surrounding the provision and use of facilities, even though there is currently no specific Equality Duty in place. Unreasonably withholding or placing restriction on the use of facilities can constitute discrimination if it humiliates or degrades a person.
Example
A student welfare service organises a ‘Well Being’ event for new students as part of freshers’ week. There are various stalls and events providing information for newly arriving students. This includes arranging for various specialists to be available to talk to students about areas that may be of particular importance to them.
The welfare officers have sought feedback from current students to help them develop this event. A group of mature students stress the importance of providing a stall for the Mature Students’ Association and ensuring there are advisers available who can give guidance on financial matters relevant to those with family commitments.
In developing the event, advice and feedback has been sought from a range of students to identify needs, and the provision of service has been developed accordingly.