EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION

At International European University, we are fully committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all facets of our community. As part of our core institutional objectives, we embrace inclusivity and internationalization, recognizing that a diverse and welcoming environment fosters innovation, creativity, and academic excellence. By adhering to EDI principles throughout our recruitment processes, we expand our candidate pool, attracting top-quality applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Commitment to Equality Legislation

Before beginning any recruitment or selection process, it is essential to understand and uphold equality legislation. At IEU, all hiring decisions are made based solely on merit. Our policies ensure that all candidates are assessed objectively, free from bias, and evaluated against clear, transparent criteria aligned with the University's values.

Our commitment to equity means adhering to the legal requirements outlined in various international and national equality acts. These laws prohibit discrimination on the grounds of protected characteristics, which include:

Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation

Types of Discrimination

In order to maintain a fair and inclusive recruitment process, it is important to recognize and avoid the various forms of discrimination that can occur:

Direct Discrimination: Treating someone less favorably because of a protected characteristic.
Indirect Discrimination: Applying a rule or policy that disadvantages a particular group with a protected characteristic, even if unintentionally.
Associative Discrimination: Treating someone less favorably because of their association with a person who has a protected characteristic.
Perceptive Discrimination: Discriminating against someone based on a mistaken belief that they have a particular protected characteristic.

Disability Discrimination and Reasonable Adjustments

IEU is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and workplace environment. Reasonable adjustments may include providing materials in alternative formats, ensuring accessible interview spaces, or offering specialized equipment. We do not request health-related information during the hiring process—any necessary health screening is carried out after a conditional offer is made, solely to identify adjustments that will support the candidate in their new role.

Age Discrimination and Retirement

IEU values the contributions of people of all ages, and age should never influence hiring decisions. In line with international legislation, applicants are free to choose when they retire, ensuring that decisions are made based on their skills and qualifications rather than their age.

Internal and External Candidates

Both internal and external candidates are treated equally during the recruitment process. All applicants, regardless of their current role or prior experience at IEU, are evaluated against the same objective criteria.

Positive Action and Genuine Occupational Requirements

In certain circumstances, positive action may be taken to encourage underrepresented groups to apply for specific roles. For example, where there is a gender imbalance within a department, we may state in a job advertisement, “We welcome applications from candidates of underrepresented genders.” However, positive action does not affect the merit-based selection process, ensuring that all hires are made based on qualifications and fit for the role.

In rare cases, a position may have a genuine occupational requirement (GOR), such as when recruiting for roles where a specific characteristic is necessary to meet the needs of a particular community. In such cases, IEU ensures that the requirement is fully justified and complies with legal frameworks.

Fostering an Inclusive Work Environment

IEU's commitment to diversity extends beyond recruitment. We are dedicated to creating a work environment that fosters mutual respect, continuous learning, and a celebration of different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Employees are encouraged to participate in diversity training programs, such as the Diversity in the Workplace course, to enhance their understanding of EDI principles.

Ensuring Compliance and Seeking Advice

If you have any concerns or questions regarding equality, diversity, or inclusion in the recruitment process, our Human Resources team is available to provide guidance. We also recommend completing the relevant EDI training modules to ensure compliance with IEU’s policies and legal mandates.