The Common Framework for supporting disabled students

The University’s Equality Policy expresses the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of its students and staff are respected. Responsibility for upholding these principles is extended to all members of the University community. The University embraces diversity and seeks to achieve equity in experience, progression and achievement through the implementation of transparent policies, practices and procedures and provision of effective support. In particular, the University commits to encouraging applications from the widest pool of candidates, especially where representation is disproportionately low. Decisions on the admission of students will be based solely on the individual merits of each candidate and the application of selection criteria appropriate to the course of study. In all its activities, the University will take steps to meet the needs of individuals with protected characteristics, including disability, where these are different from others.

• Read the University's Equality Policy

One of the key principles for effectively agreeing and implementing individual adjustments for disabled students is appropriate sharing of information relating to a disability. Data relating to disability is classified as special category data under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Data Protection Act 2018. The University sets its framework for

ensuring that it meets its obligations under this legislation in its Data Protection Policy. The Policy sets out the six data privacy principles the University must comply with, its aims and commitments, and roles and responsibilities relating to data protection. It also covers the actions that will follow any breach in the legislation and the future review and development of the policy. Personal data must be:

• processed fairly, lawfully and in a transparent manner;
• used only for limited, specified stated purposes and not used or disclosed in any way incompatible with those purposes;
• adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary;
• accurate and, where necessary, up-to-date;
• not kept for longer than necessary; and
• kept safe and secure.

The University has also produced Guidance on Confidentiality in Student Health and Welfare. Guidance on sharing disability-related information effectively and securely is available in this guide, see Confidentiality and Sharing Information.

• Read the University Data Protection Policy
• Information for staff on handling personal data

The University Strategic Plan 2018-2023 sets out a framework of priorities for the University. In the strategic plan, the University sets out its commitment to equality of opportunity, to engendering inclusivity, and to supporting staff and student wellbeing. The University believes that a diverse staff and student body strengthens research and enhances students’ learning. As part of Commitment 2 of the strategic plan, the University commits to offering an excellent academic experience for all students:

Teaching and assessment at Oxford will provide an equal opportunity for all students to achieve and demonstrate their full academic potential. The University will work to reduce continuing gaps in attainment and encourage greater diversity in assessment.

Supporting student wellbeing is at the heart of our approach to providing the greatest opportunity for all our students to excel. We will work to strengthen the partnership between colleges, academic departments and faculties, and central services to provide the welfare support that our students need to flourish. The University will ensure that teaching is informed by best practice, an inclusive approach to learning, and the opportunities for innovation offered by digital technology.

Read the Strategic Plan

The University has also developed a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.