Diversity, Equality & Mental Health Hub
At the University of Lincoln, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to access and thrive in higher education, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. We recognise the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities in employment and are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and accommodations to ensure their success. Whilst disabled students can access all areas of our service, some additional services available include tailored careers coaching, targeted mentoring schemes, dedicated workshops, and inclusive curriculum programmes.
For a full overview of our service, visit the Careers & Employability homepage.
Learn more about disclosure and your rights by clicking the button below.
To access additional information about all protected characteristics, please click the button below.
If you need support with your mental health and self-care during the job search process, please click the button below.
Access information and resources below:
Careers Support
We recognise that students from diverse backgrounds may benefit from accessing information and advice related to their protected characteristics. While this page provides general advice, it may not address your specific concerns.
If you have any concerns or questions about your protected characteristics, career plans, job applications, or employment, please book an appointment using our online triage tool.
You can also continue to access one-on-one career support for up to two years after you graduate.
Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form
When you apply for a job, you may be asked to complete an ‘equal opportunities’ monitoring form, which is separate from the rest of your application. This is not visible to the recruitment panel and will not affect the rest of your application.
After an interview, the data will be used solely by HR to make appropriate adjustments to the recruitment process, aiming to increase the number of applications from underrepresented groups in the future.
How do I find inclusive employers?
If you are interested in diversity and inclusion within an organisation, you may wish to look out for the following:
- Equal Opportunity Statement – These are usually included on a company’s website or during their recruitment process. The statements will indicate the employer’s focus on actively recruiting candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds.
For example, “We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, social background, religion and/or belief”. - Diversity & Inclusion Awards – You can use the employer’s website to identify any diversity and inclusion awards or recognitions such as Disability Confident, The Care Leaver Covenant, Best Diversity Recruiter and Stonewall 100.
- Recruitment agencies – consider finding an agency that specialises in diversity and inclusion. Examples of these include:
- Diversifying – A platform for people to find jobs with employers who are serious about diversity and inclusion.
- Inclusive Recruiting – an organisation that exists to embed accurate equity, diversity, and inclusion within organisations now.
- Vercida – who aim to transform the workplace into a diverse and inclusive environment
Please note: We do not endorse any of the organisations these pages are linked to. They are here for your information only.
Opportunity Funding for Interviews
Get ahead with your job interviews and assessment centres by accessing up to £500 in funding from Careers & Employability to reduce the financial impact of securing career opportunities.
Many University of Lincoln students have used funding from the Opportunity Fund to support them in working towards their graduate career goals. Our confidential application process is straightforward and can be found on our Opportunity Fund webpage.
“The funding gave me that extra boost which I needed and made me more confident in my job hunt” – Student Feedback.
Disclosure and Discrimination Support
The Equality Act 2010 provides the right not to be discriminated against directly or indirectly.
Whilst you are not legally required to disclose your protected characteristics to an employer, you may wish to request reasonable adjustments related to a disability. See our disability webpage for more information about this.
If you believe you have been discriminated against during the recruitment process, we can support you by connecting you with the student advice team. The following websites may also be of help:
How to book space for an interview
If you have an upcoming interview but do not have a suitable quiet space away from distractions, did you know that you can book a space on campus?
As a student, you can access the Room Booking System. Here you can book specific rooms on campus for specific dates and times. We recommend booking additional time before and after your interview so you can be prepared and make sure you have time in case the interview runs over.
Further support and student guides
Students who are disabled, neurodivergent or have long-term physical or mental health conditions, and would like additional support navigating career planning, can access the following support:
- Disability career coaching appointment – email careers@lincoln.ac.uk
- How, when and why to talk to an employer about a disability, neurodivergence or mental health. condition – available via our events page.
- Contact studentsupport@lincoln.ac.uk for information on employment rights.
We also offer a Confidence training package which counts as the 30 points you need to complete your Lincoln Award. Take a look at our Lincoln Award webpage to find out more.
Disability & Mental Health Guides
Careers & Employability have created these guides to support you at every stage of your career planning journey, helping you build a fulfilling career with confidence and ease:
- Managing mental health in recruitment: job searching can be stressful, but you’re not alone. This guide offers practical strategies to help you maintain your mental well-being and stay resilient during your recruitment journey.
- Developing your confidence & presentation skills: Public speaking and delivering presentations can make many people nervous. This guide helps prepare you for when you’ve been invited to interview.
- Placement support for disabled students: discover the resources and assistance available to help you secure and thrive in placements or work experiences.
- Global Opportunity Support for Disabled Students: planning to study or work abroad? This guide outlines essential considerations and support to help you confidently navigate international opportunities.
- Graduate recruitment support for Disabled students: know your rights and access the support you deserve during recruitment. From reasonable adjustments to best practices, this guide will help you to navigate the steps towards landing your dream role.
Take advantage of these resources to turn your career aspirations into reality. Your potential is limitless, and we’re here to help you every step of the way! Remember, you can book 1:1 appointments to discuss your individual situation.
Lincoln Connect
Mentoring relationships can help you to gain valuable insights from experienced professions. They provide a safe space to discuss challenges and set achievable goals. Mentoring is reported to enhance self-awareness, improve communication skills and increase awareness of opportunities. The encouragement a mentor offers can boost your motivation and mental wellbeing to support your personal and professional development.
Lincoln Connect is the University of Lincoln’s exclusive online community, connecting students with alumni and employers to seek career support, advice, and industry insights. Lincoln Connect is a great opportunity for you to give back, get involved and stay connected with our diverse and talented community.
Our Professional Mentoring Programme also runs each semester and provides disabled students with an opportunity to be formally matched with a mentor for 4 months. To express your interest please email careers@lincoln.ac.uk
Equality Act
The Equality Act 2010 identifies the following nine characteristics protected within the law;
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment/identity
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief (including lack of faith)
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Under The Equality Act, jobseekers and employees belonging to one or more protected characteristics should not be discriminated against. Discrimination occurs when you are treated less favourably because of your protected characteristics.
The term ‘equal opportunities,’ as detailed in The Equality Act, upholds the idea that all workers within an organisation should be entitled to, and have access to, the organisation’s facilities at every stage of employment, including the pre-employment stage.
Extracurricular activity
As a student at the University of Lincoln, you can access a variety of extracurricular activities.
- Placements & Work Experience – With numerous benefits for students. These experiences can enhance your studies by putting theory into practice, helping with career decisions, developing skills and providing strong examples of experience for future job applications and interviews.
- Study Abroad & Summer Opportunities – Our dedicated Global Opportunities team work closely with partners all over the world. During your degree you may have the opportunity to undertake a global experience such as studying abroad, working overseas, completing a summer trip or voluntary placement.
- Lincoln Award– The Lincoln Award is an employability framework designed to support you in preparing for your future. With a variety of pathways available to help you feel confident about your skills and experiences, you can choose the option that’s right for you. Our Lincoln Award webpage provides more information.
Events
Careers & Employability host regular workshops to help you to feel more confident when applying for jobs. Topics include:
- How to talk to an employer about a disability or mental health condition
- How to manage job application stress
- How to get a student job
- How to prepare for interviews
- How to feel career confident
- Plus many more.
Visit our events calendar for the full schedule.