Disability
The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing support to all staff and students to ensure they can maximise their potential and progress regardless of any disability. We encourage staff and students to request reasonable adjustments to their work/study environment.
Dr Charlotte Sutherell is our Department Disability Officer and acts as an initial contact for students wishing to discuss adjustments.
Our Department EDI Training policy includes the College's Disability In the Workplace course as part of our recommended training.
Accessibility was also central to the thinking around the design of our new White City campus. We have ensured step-free access to the building including to our new lecture theatre and all key departmental facilities. Each laboratory is also equipped with an adjustable height fume cupboard.
We have been working to create a more flexible physical environment including the development of a quiet, inclusive space for respite, particularly students who may experience sensory overload, anxiety or need physical respite, installation of induction loops or equivalent hearing assistance technology in all new spaces (with over 12 people) and a student pathways project to remove or power assist doors through the corridor space at our South Kensington campus to improve accessibility.
We have also been working to increase support and visibility of the Disability Advisory Service. We are increasing resources for students with disability e.g. ergonomic lab equipment, access to storage space and working with module leads to implement/ensure availability of appropriate adjustments or alternative formats for assessments where needed.
Able@Imperial is a network for staff with both visible and invisible disabilities and their managers as well as all those supportive of disability equality in the workplace. Able@Imperial provide support for disabled staff and their managers and run a supportive grouping for networking, events and informal coffee morning sessions.
Mental health
Looking after our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. As a Department, we recognise that people’s mental health may change over time and we are mindful of creating an environment for work and study which promotes good mental health.
Our induction processes highlight where our staff and students can access free, confidential support for their mental health in College. In order to gain Gold EDI Training status in the Department, staff must have completed the 2 day Mental Health First-Aider course.
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity covers a range of commonly co-occurring conditions related to processing or cognitive differences. Imperial has a range of resources for both neurodiverse individuals to help them access any support they may need and for managers of neurodivergent staff.
In 2020, the Neurodiversity in Albertopolis network was launched headed by Professor Sara Rankin from Imperial. This network consists of neurodiverse staff and students from across institutions located around Exhibition Road. The network hold events for both neurodiverse individuals and their allies.