Safe Overseas Travel Guidance for Staff with Protected Characteristics
The Safe Travel Overseas Guidance for Staff with Protected Characteristics aims to raise awareness of issues and potential risks that staff who identify with one or more protected characteristics may encounter when undertaking overseas travel on behalf of the University.
You can download a copy of the Safe Travel Overseas Guidance for Staff with Protected Characteristics here.
What the Guidance Covers
This Guidance has been produced not to deter employees who have one or more protected characteristics from travelling abroad in connection with their employment, but simply to research and consider the potential risks associated with such travel and the steps that can be taken to minimise the risks.
The guidance provides
- A definition of the protected characteristics and the potential travel risks associated with identifying with a protected characteristic.
- Safe travel information for the employee.
- Additional guidance for individuals who identify as LGBTUA+.
- Protected Characteristics Risk Assessment Form (optional).
Key Things to Consider Before Travel
- Cultural acceptance and law can vary from country to country, research your destination thoroughly prior to travel.
- Some countries may recognise LGBTQUA+ rights. However, this may not be cultural accepted.
- LGBTQUA+ people may be subjected to hate crimes, this can also include imprisonment and the death penalty.
- Accessibility issues in buildings and travel within some countries for individuals who have a disability.
- Cultural acceptance of some disabilities in certain countries, for example, acceptance of mental illness.
- Racial violence and threats can never be ruled out regardless of the destination of travel. Individuals must familiarise themselves with the Government's Travel Advice webpages and monitor their destination country for regular updates.
- Travellers should research their intended destinations. Gathering knowledge of intended destinations may increase awareness of potential risks, allowing travellers to best prepare themselves in advance of travel.
- Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website for travel safety warnings, details of the nearest British Embassy or Consulate, and information on local laws and customs.
- Invest in a good guide book.
- Excessive physical shows of affection, by both LGB+ and heterosexual couples, are often best avoided in public.