IDS has developed this policy and its approach around respect following an independent Equity and Inclusion Review which resulted in a number of actions and recommendations. It also follows an extensive period of ongoing engagement with staff (including student-focused staff), IDS’s Board of Trustees, IDS’s Strategic Leadership Group, IDS’s Trade Union representatives (UCU and Unison), and external consultants.
As part of this engagement, colleagues shared what is important to them in their working relationships at IDS and the culture they want to work in. This helped shape this policy and our shared ‘Principles of Respect’. These guiding principles are designed to support the IDS community to be clear on the behaviours IDS’s staff, students and the wider IDS community.
Our principles of respect are outlined below, with examples of what these principles look like in practice.
Our Principles of Respect
When we treat each other with respect we live by the following principles:
Listening
What does this look like in practice?
-Actively listening and seeking to understand different perspectives to enable effective collaboration.
-Treating others with dignity and understanding so people feel heard.
-Understanding how and when to moderate our voice and when to support others to use their voice.
-Showing people that their voice matters both in our words and actions.
-Supporting people to contribute meaningfully.
Inclusion and allyship
What does this look like in practice?
-Acting with integrity and positive intent.
-Role modelling behaviours that make people feel included, valued and supported.
-Being self-aware - recognising our own power and privilege in a space and considering how we can be an ally to others.
-Valuing and respecting the differences between people.
-Recognising our audience and using accessible and inclusive language.
-Recognising, challenging, or reporting any discrimination, bullying and harassment that we experience or witness and supporting others to do the same.
Empathy and appreciation
What does this look like in practice?
-Considering the needs, opinions and feelings of others before acting.
-Having empathy for other people’s challenges and thoughtfulness about how our actions will affect other people.
-Appreciating people and respecting their abilities, skills and time.
-Recognising people’s professional knowledge, integrity and judgement.
-Saying thank you and recognising and celebrating people’s achievements.
-Contributing to an environment where people feel safe, can build positive working relationships, and work effectively.
Respectfully challenging
What does this look like in practice?
-Calling out behaviour that does not align with our principles of respect.
-Being constructive by sharing and acknowledging different perspectives and alternative solutions.
-If discussing an issue or idea, challenge the idea without attacking the person.
-Avoiding generalisations and assumptions.
-Disagreeing respectfully - being kind and considerate even if you disagree.
Repairing and resolving
What does this look like in practice?
-Being open to receiving feedback about our behaviour.
-Taking accountability and apologising for our behaviour if we behave in a way that disrespects or upsets someone.
-Speaking directly with a person or team to try to repair and resolve issues.
-Working together to come up with shared solutions to challenges and developing reasonable timelines for interdependent work.