Religious observance in higher education

The local, regional, national and increasingly international reach of many higher education institutions means that campuses reflect a diversity of religions and beliefs.

For many staff and students their religious beliefs are accommodated within existing institutional practices. For others, there is a potential for institutional practices to conflict with religious beliefs - for example exams being held on holy days, or staff requesting time for prayers. In some cases these conflicts can be avoided; in others they may not be so easy to resolve.

The Equality Bill, currently going through parliament, will require higher education institutions to actively consult with staff and students with religious beliefs (and those with none) and address their concerns. Many institutions are already engaging with this issue, and this guidance seeks to share their experience and provide practical ideas for resolving conflict if it occurs.

• Religious observance in higher education: Institutional timetabling and work patterns