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 – recognises 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 favourably 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 and Purpose

This policy applies to:

All residents, both 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 and safe community living

3. Commitment to Equal Opportunities

LUNA is committed to ensuring that no student, resident or visitor receives less favourable 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 and Inclusive Community Living

LUNA greatly values its community and considers any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying to be 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 across:

Shared and private accommodation spaces
Events and social activities
Digital or online platforms connected to 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 and 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 wellbeing and support services
Promote an environment that values equality, inclusion and diversity
Ensure all team 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 the residence team
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 impact their tenancy and standing within the community.

7. Direct, Indirect and Disability Related Discrimination

Direct discrimination
Where someone is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic, for example refusing to share a kitchen with someone due to their nationality.

Indirect discrimination
Where a rule or requirement applies to everyone but disproportionately disadvantages a particular group, for example scheduling mandatory meetings at times that prevent observant religious students from attending.

Disability related discrimination and 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 will be 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 serious behaviour that humiliates, isolates or intimidates an individual. Examples include:

Deliberately excluding someone from shared spaces
Mocking accents, cultural practices or beliefs
Making threats or spreading rumours
Online harassment, including group chat targeting

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 have:

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 and Support

Residents can report concerns through:

On site team members or reception
Dedicated email or reporting channels
Anonymous reporting options, where available
University safeguarding or welfare teams, where appropriate

All reports will be:

Taken seriously
Investigated impartially
Treated confidentially
Followed by appropriate action

Investigations will follow our complaints procedure and will typically be led by the Property Manager or another impartial senior team member.

Serious breaches may result in:

Mediation measures
Behavioural agreements
Room moves
Tenancy warnings or enforcement action
Referral to universities or external authorities
Police involvement where criminal activity is identified

11. Promoting an Inclusive Environment

LUNA will:

Provide clear induction materials outlining community expectations
Organise inclusive activities and events
Encourage cross cultural and social connection
Remove barriers that may disadvantage any group of residents
Ensure communications are respectful, accessible and inclusive

Our aim is for every resident to feel safe, valued and part of the LUNA community.

12. Monitoring and Review

LUNA will:

Review this policy regularly
Monitor resident feedback and incident data
Evaluate the effectiveness of inclusion measures
Update practices in line with legal requirements and best practice

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 residents have the right to feel safe, valued and supported within their accommodation community.