Occupational Health
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Information for Applicants for a New Role

The University of Exeter recognises the importance of equality and diversity.  We have made an active commitment to inclusivity in our recruitment, training, and retention of staff with disabilities.

We actively encourage applications from disabled applicants at all levels and are committed to making reasonable adjustments where possible at all stages of the recruitment process. All recruitment is done on merit and ability, focusing on fit the best person for the job.

The University is a Disability Confident employer.

Further information about our inclusion policies can be found here.

The Application Stage

All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy will be called for interview.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to apply for the post you are interested in please contact the recruitment team to discuss your support needs. For instance, ifyou require information or application forms to be in a different format such as large print.

This is an opportunity to disclose a disability or health condition anonymously for equality monitoring.

The Interview

If you require reasonable adjustments or additional support for interview please contact the recruitment team. This may include an accessible location, questions in advance if appropriate or a BSL interpreter.

Access to Work can provide additional support the interview process.

Acceptance of an Offer of Employment

You will be asked to complete a confidential New Starter Health Questionnaire return it to Occupational Health (OH). This is an opportunity to disclose a disability or health condition and note any possible reasonable adjustments required. Based on the information you provide, OH may contact you to arrange a confidential appointment to discuss your support needs.

Joining the University

Your line manager should offer you the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have and discuss reasonable adjustments as necessary. Your line manager is responsible for ensuring that any reasonable adjustments you require are in place. It is sensible to have the discussion in advance to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are in place when you start.

As part of your induction you should complete a DSE assessment which may highlight any workstation needs you have, such as a specialist mouse or large screen.

If you have not already spoken to Occupational Health and your line manager requires additional information about appropriate reasonable adjustments they may make a referral.

Your line manager will also consider whether you need a personal evacuation plan (PEEP). More information can be found on the Health & Safety SharePoint site (please note, you will need to open the form in the desktop application and save the form to be able to edit it).

Referral to Occupational Health

If the appointee is referred to OH, a report is prepared and, with the appointee’s permission, shared with the line manager and Human Resources Advisor.

Then reasonable adjustments are agreed by line manager and Human Resources advisor and put in place. This may also involve other University services, for example, Estates Services, if adaptations to buildings are required.

Ongoing support

Your line manager is responsible for your health and safety at work. This includes ensuring that you have appropriate reasonable adjustments. Regular conversations and reviews about reasonable adjustments are helpful in ensuring that they remain effective and are working for you.

When you settle into your role you may identify the need for additional support and further reasonable adjustments. Please discuss your needs with your line manager and they may make a referral to Occupational Health for additional guidance. If you have a disability and you wish to discuss your situation in confidence before disclosing it you can make a self referral to Occupational Health.

Further information