Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Neapolis University Pafos is proud of its diversity and recognises the value that this brings to University life. The University embraces and celebrates the differences between people, recognising the strengths and benefits of a diverse and inclusive society, workforce and student body. It is our firm belief that education should be available to all sections of society, providing an inclusive working and learning environment for students and staff, so that all may develop to their full potential.

The University is committed to providing the highest quality academic and working environment, where all staff, students, visitors and contractors are employed, welcomed, respected and treated in a fair manner that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation. No one shall be treated less favourably because of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief.

Neapolis University Pafos is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of its activities, through the development of fair and equitable policies, procedures, academic programmes of study, courses, and training and development programmes. The University encourages and promotes an inclusive approach that treats colleagues, students and other service users with respect.

In 2021, Neapolis University Pafos announced two EDI policies: the umbrella Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy and the Gender Equality policy; to support our equality and diversity aims and values, and to meet our legal commitments, we plan to introduce a number of linked policies, schemes and action plans, which will support the umbrella Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy of the University. The University is, also, a signatory to Diversity Charter Cyprus (DCC), with which it declares its commitment to the principles and values of respect for diversity and for their inclusion in its workplace, and it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) which is the official representative of the European Platform of Diversity Charters of the European Commission in Cyprus and manages Diversity Charter Cyprus. In 2021, the University also appointed its first Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Katerina Papazacharia who, together with the other members of the EDI team of the University, is responsible for administering our EDI policies, schemes and action plans and to provide direction and encouragement on diversity and inclusion.

The University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy sets out the University’s commitment and objectives for equality, diversity and inclusion and its aim to ensure that all members of the Neapolis community have equal access to opportunities. The Policy is strongly underpinned by the University’s core values as a diverse and inclusive academic community that respects individuals and enables them to strive for success in order to contribute positively and sustainably to the local region, wider society and the national economy. For this purpose, the University is committed to:

1. Encouraging the integration of equality into the structures, behaviours and culture of the University
2. Providing a means of demonstrating how, in carrying out its functions, the University is promoting equality
3. Encouraging everyone to take responsibility for equality and diversity
4. Mainstreaming, as a more effective use of resources in the delivery of the equality and diversity agenda and as part of a long term, sustainable approach.

At Neapolis we have ambitious plans to advance equality, diversity and inclusion for our students, staff, and the wider society, through the work we do, through teaching and learning, and through our research.