Equal Opportunities Policy – Residents

1. Introduction

Luna is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming and respectful residential environment for all students. Equal opportunity within our properties can only be achieved when everyone- residents, staff and visitors- accepts that dignity, fairness and respect are essential to the wellbeing of the community.

This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring that no student or visitor is treated less favorably because of a protected characteristic, and that all aspects of accommodation life-from room allocation to day-to-day community interactions-promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our aim is to eliminate both direct and indirect discrimination, promote positive behaviour, and ensure that all residents can enjoy a safe, supportive and enriching living environment.

2. Policy Scope & Purpose

This policy applies to:

• All residents (current and prospective)
• Guests and visitors
• All services, facilities, activities and interactions within our buildings

It covers:
• Room applications, allocations and tenancy decisions
• Conduct within communal and private spaces
• Access to support, services and events
• Complaints and incident reporting
• Behavioural expectations for inclusive, safe community living

3. Commitment to Equal Opportunities

Luna is committed to ensuring that no student, resident or visitor receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of:

• Sex or gender
• Gender reassignment or gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin
• Religion or belief (or lack thereof)
• Disability or long-term health condition
• Age
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Marital or civil partnership status

We also aim to prevent discrimination relating to:
• Mental health
• Socio-economic background
• Caring responsibilities
• Language or cultural differences

We recognise our obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and relevant Codes of Practice.

4. Dignity, Respect & Inclusive Community Living

Luna greatly values its residents and views any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying as entirely unacceptable. Every resident, regardless of background or identity, has the right to live in an environment free from:

• Harassment
• Bullying
• Hate speech
• Victimisation
• Unlawful discrimination

This applies in:
• Shared and private accommodation spaces
• Events and social activities
• Digital or online platforms used by the residence
• All interactions between residents, staff and visitors

Residents are expected to uphold a culture of respect, empathy and mutual support.

5. Responsibilities of Luna

As the accommodation provider, Luna will:

• Provide clear, accessible information on rights and expected conduct
• Ensure room allocation processes are fair, transparent and non-discriminatory
• Make reasonable adjustments for residents with disabilities or specific needs
• Respond promptly and effectively to reports of discrimination or harassment
• Provide or signpost appropriate welfare and wellbeing support
• Promote an environment that values equality, inclusion and diversity
• Ensure staff members understand and uphold this policy

6. Responsibilities of Residents

All residents have a responsibility to:

• Treat others with dignity and respect
• Avoid behaviour that may constitute harassment, bullying, discrimination or victimisation
• Not instruct or encourage others to engage in discriminatory behaviour
• Not retaliate against or victimise anyone who raises a concern or complaint
• Report incidents or concerns to accommodation staff
• Respect the cultural, religious and personal differences of others
• Maintain a safe, respectful and inclusive environment in shared spaces

Residents are reminded that their behaviour may affect their tenancy and community standing.

7. Direct, Indirect & Disability-Related Discrimination

Direct Discrimination:
Where someone is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic (e.g. refusing to share a kitchen with someone due to their nationality).

Indirect Discrimination:
Where a rule or requirement applies to everyone but unfairly disadvantages a particular group (e.g. hosting mandatory meetings at times that prevent observant religious students from attending).

Disability-Related Discrimination & Reasonable Adjustments:
Luna will consider reasonable adjustments such as:
• Accessible rooms
• Adaptations to fire or safety procedures
• Alternative room allocation for wellbeing needs
• Support for neurodivergent residents

Residents are encouraged to disclose any disability or health conditions so appropriate support can be provided. All disclosures are treated confidentially.

8. Harassment and Bullying

Harassment:
Unwanted behaviour that is offensive, intimidating, hostile or violates a person’s dignity. This can include:
• Verbal abuse or slurs
• Jokes relating to race, sexuality, disability or gender
• Intrusive questioning about personal identity
• Sharing offensive images or messages
• Sexual remarks or behaviour

Bullying:
Persistent or severe behaviour that humiliates, isolates or intimidates an individual. Examples:
• Excluding someone deliberately from shared spaces
• Mocking accents, cultural practices or beliefs
• Making threats or spreading rumours
• Online harassment (“flaming”, group chat targeting, etc.)

Both harassment and bullying are strictly prohibited and may lead to tenancy-related consequences.

9. Victimisation

Victimisation occurs when someone is treated unfavourably because they:
• Made a complaint
• Supported someone else’s complaint
• Provided information in an investigation

Residents are protected from victimisation regardless of the outcome of the complaint, provided it was made in good faith.

10. Reporting, Complaints & Support

Residents can report concerns through:
• On-site staff members or reception
• Dedicated email/reporting channels
• Anonymous reporting options (where available)
• University safeguarding or welfare teams (if relevant)

All reports will be:
• Taken seriously
• Investigated impartially
• Treated confidentially
• Followed by appropriate action

Investigations will be in line with our complaints policy but commence from stage 2 led by the Property Manager or another impartial senior team member, ensuring fairness and accountability throughout the process.

Severe breaches may result in:
• Mediation measures
• Behavioural agreements
• Room moves
• Tenancy warnings or enforcement
• Referral to universities or external authorities
• Police involvement where criminal conduct occurs

11. Promoting an Inclusive Environment

Luna will:
• Provide induction materials that explain community expectations
• Organise inclusive activities and events
• Encourage cross-cultural and social integration
• Remove barriers that disadvantage any group of residents
• Ensure communications are respectful, accessible and inclusive

Our aim is for every resident to feel safe, valued and able to thrive.

12. Monitoring & Review

Luna will:
• Review this policy regularly
• Monitor resident feedback and incident data
• Evaluate the effectiveness of our inclusion measures
• Update practices in line with legal changes and best-practice guidance

Continuous improvement is central to our commitment to equality and inclusion.

13. Policy Statement

Luna is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful living environment for every resident. Discrimination, harassment or victimisation of any kind will not be tolerated. All students have the right to feel safe, valued and supported within their accommodation community.