Welfare & Disability Support for Students
This support is provided by the Academic Registry and the Diversity and Disability Advisor who can be contacted on 020 8722 4129.
Policy
The Institute promotes equality of opportunity and does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, victimisation on the grounds of gender, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief. We are committed towards creating a non-limiting and fully inclusive environment for staff and students to achieve their organisational and personal goals and recognise that providing appropriate support to individuals will help us to achieve this. Most of the services are provided for both staff and students.
Students with Disabilities
Unlike larger higher education institutions, The Institute does not maintain a dedicated Student Disability Office. Our relatively small number of postgraduate students are funded from a range of sources and nearly half are from overseas, meaning that very few of our disabled students are able to benefit from the Disabled Student Allowance. In fact, The Institute only has a few students who require direct support. This is common in postgraduate research where disabled students are under-represented. We are nevertheless committed to providing the highest quality support for those who need it.
The term 'disability' can cover a range of impairments from mobility difficulties through to long term illnesses and dyslexia. Mental health conditions are also considered to be a disability although there is often a stigma attached to such conditions and people are reluctant to disclose their condition. The Institute has successfully provided additional support to several students with mental health conditions. If you would like further information about how we help students with disabilities at The Institute please contact the Diversity and Disability Advisor.
Confidentiality
Information disclosed regarding your disability and/or additional needs will be dealt with in a confidential manner; this is in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Please note that without your consent, information about your disability will not be passed on. Please bear in mind that without knowledge of your disability, it may be difficult to fully support your needs and make the necessary adjustments.
More Links:
Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
Student Welfare
As a student, your supervisory team will have responsibility for your day-to-day welfare, both academic and personal and nominated members of the Academic Dean’s Team have responsibility for the general welfare of students. We recognise however, that individual students may be reluctant to share personal difficulties with their supervisor if they feel it may conflict with academic progress.
The Institute provides counselling services through its Employee Support Programme which is also open to students but we have also developed a network of Student Confidants. These are current students who have volunteered to give their time to help others who would prefer to talk on a confidential basis about issues which affect them. The Student Confidants are trained in communication skills and knowledge of other help networks for students.
If you are concerned about issues related to your project we advise you to discuss these if at all possible with your supervisor in the first instance.
Employee Support Programme
The Institute provides a free 24 hour counselling service for all staff and students and family members of their household. The service also includes a consumer and legal helpline.
London Nightline
Nightline is open throughout the night to provide information and support for students in London. The service covers everything from housing and sexual health, to the location of the nearest kebab shop! You are welcome to call to discuss anything—big or small, or just for a chat. The lines are run by student volunteers who have undergone extensive training and understand that university life in London isn't always plain sailing.
The service is strictly confidential and calling Nightline will cost the same as calling any London landline. Please see their website for further information.
