Dear Glasgow Caledonian University,

I want to find out about GCU's provision for academic staff (existing and prospective) who are neurodiverse. This means staff who are autistic, dyspraxic, dyscalculic, dyslexic and/or who have Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder. The answers will probably be obtained from the Diversity Manager in Human Resources.

I have broken down my request into 11 questions to make it more specific. Can you please provide an answer to the following questions:

GCU’s Approach to Neurodiversity (Staff)
1. Does GCU has a neurodiversity policy that extends to academic staff (as opposed to only applying to students)? If so, when was this created and updated? Can you please provide a copy of the original document and the current one, both dated?
2. Is GCU registered with Disability Confident?
3. Does GCU subscribe to the social model of disability? Please explain.
4. Have key personnel – such as HR staff and managers who are likely to be involved in recruitment, disciplinary or capability proceedings – received neurodiversity training?
5. Does GCU’s general equality and diversity training cover neurodiversity?
6. Is there a named point of contact with whom the unions can raise issues relating to neurodiversity in the workplace? Who is this?
7. Has GCU established a clear route through which neurodivergent workers can disclose a condition, in confidence, at any time? What is this route and how is it made known to workers?
8. Does GCU offer assessment (or financial support for assessment) for workers who wish to undertake a diagnostic assessment for neuro-diverse conditions? Does this extend to casual and fixed term workers?
9. What does GCU currently do to encourage neurodivergent job applicants to seek reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process?
10. What adjustments have been made to the standard academic recruitment process (of presentation and panel interview) for neurodivergent job applicants? Can you provide examples for applicants with, e.g. autism and dyspraxia?
10. In what ways does GCU ensure that it fulfils its Public Sector Equality Duty in relation to neurodiversity? That is, what proactive steps does GCU take to advance equality of opportunity for neurodivergent applicants and workers; to foster good relations between neurotypical workers and neurodivergent workers; and to prevent the discrimination of neurodivergent workers? How long has GCU been taking such proactive steps?
11. Does GCU subscribe to the notion of "nothing about us without us" in relation to neurodivergent workers? If so, how have neurodivergent workers been involved in relation to the creation and monitoring of GCU's neurodiversity policy and procedures?

Many thanks.

Yours faithfully,

Wendy Hesketh

Dear Jean,

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my request in full, even though it was quite a detailed request. I really appreciate this.

With best wishes.

Yours sincerely,

Wendy Hesketh