Dignity and Respect Advisors for Staff

Confidential advice and support

The University has a network of ‘Dignity and Respect Advisors’ (DRAs) to give confidential advice and support to staff who feel that they have been the subject of bullying, harassment or discrimination, or have been accused of such behaviour.

DRAs are trained volunteers from across the University and can support you by:

  • actively listening and discussing the situation with you in a non-judgmental manner;
  • outlining the options available to you to resolve your concerns;
  • providing clear information on relevant University policies and procedures;
  • signposting you to other appropriate sources of support and advice such as HR, staff counselling, and relevant external agencies.

A DRA cannot undertake any investigation or action on your behalf, or accompany you through any informal or formal proceedings. Any meeting will be led by you, our advisors are there to listen to your concerns and help you reach a decision on the next step to take to resolve your concerns. You may find it helpful to write down the key points you want to make in advance of the meeting.  

How to contact a Dignity and Respect Advisor

Dignity and Respect Advisors are available to talk to a member of staff in person, or by telephone, during normal working hours. If you would like to speak to a DRA,  contact the DRA Coordinator at:

equalitydiversity@ed.ac.uk

Your details will be passed on to one of our trained advisors who will then contact you to arrange a meeting. To avoid any potential conflict of interest you will be assigned an Advisor outside your own School/Department where possible. If you prefer to meet with an Advisor of a specific gender, let the DRA Coordinator know when you make initial contact.

Confidentiality

You can expect Dignity & Respect Advisors to treat any information you provide as confidential, unless the DRA feels there is a genuine and serious risk of harm to you or other staff/students.

The DRA will take notes of key points during your meeting, as a useful record should a follow-up meeting be necessary. These notes will not be shared with anyone else.