Our processes

The AccessAbility Team’s terms of service

When you let us know about your disability, neurodivergence or long-term condition, we will treat all your information with sensitivity and will not typically pass it to your department without your knowledge. You will be asked to agree that the Team can process your personal and special category data as you start working with the team.

You can request that information you disclose about your disability is kept within the Team and the implications of this will be discussed with you.

All information will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act (1998) and the General Data Protection Regulation (2018).

You will, of course, be treated the same as any other applicant or student before you apply to the University, during the application process, and when you are here. Apart from the professional standards of the University, you are protected by the UK’s Equality Act.

Information for students interested in studying with us

If you are planning to attend one of our open days, you can let us know about any requirements you have through the booking form, and a member of staff will be in touch to confirm the arrangements with you. Examples of this support may include accessible parking and our ‘quiet’ registration desk for a calmer experience when you check in on the day.

Any support you received from your school or college will not transfer to us. However, if you share your disability information before you begin your studies or research programme, we will endeavour to have your support in place when you begin. Demand for support increases at the start of the academic year, but our Student Support Services will contact you as soon as they can.

Parents, carers or guardians are not typically involved in discussing or arranging support, but you may include them if you wish, such as helping to complete forms or inviting them to support you during a meeting with your explicit consent and our agreement. We cannot discuss aspects of your support with family members or supporters.

If you need accessible accommodation, you will need to get in touch with [email protected], who will contact you to learn more about your requirements.

Receiving support and adjustments

Student Support Services works with all levels of students, from Foundation Year to postgraduate researchers.

The simplest way to access support and receive adjustments is by sharing your information at the start of your course. However, we know that this doesn’t, or can’t happen for everyone, or you might choose not to tell us because you don’t need help yet. If that changes and you request support later at a time you do need it, you might experience a delay in receiving the adjustments you need.

You will be asked to complete our reasonable adjustments form (login required) to identify the adjustments you need.

If you need more specific adjustments, you will then be invited to meet with an adviser. All your adjustments will be listed on a Learning Support Contract, but if any are missing, you can contact [email protected].

You can also be referred to Student Support Services through your school. Please keep in mind that being referred by a member of staff in your school does not speed up or delay the process compared to contacting the Team directly.

Still have questions? Check out our frequently asked questions for more information about what we do and what happens with your information.