Guidance and support

Here you will find information for staff and students about where to find information, advice and support.
You can find out more in our Student support A-Z.

For students

Beyond Barriers Student Mentoring Scheme

Under this scheme students are mentored by industry professionals, so that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.

Commuter students

Kingston has a large commuter student body and is aware of the challenges faced by commuters. We are striving to make our campuses inclusive to meet the needs of commuter students, this includes the provision of commuter spaces across campuses and offering flexible job opportunities that work around your study.

Disability support

You'll find information on everything from specific learning differences to accessing disability-friendly accommodation, plus further support from the Disability and Mental Health Student Community run by Kingston Union of Students. Kingston University subscribes to AccessAble and current students can access further information on MyKingston.

ELEVATE careers programme

An accelerator programme designed to give Black British African or a Black British Caribbean home students the support, guidance and tools to achieve their full potential. It includes a range of different practical skill sessions, employer events and much more. Current students can find out more on MyKingston.

Faith and spirituality

Whoever you are, wherever you come from, and whatever your world view, religion, faith, or belief (or non-belief), you will find support in our university community. We have a number of faith facilities and resources and more information for current students on MyKingston.

Gender identity

Kingston University is committed to providing a fully inclusive environment and endeavours to provide consistent and holistic support for trans and non-binary students. We have a named member of staff supporting trans students and we are working towards implementing a gender identity policy and increasing the provision of gender-neutral toilets on campus.

Harassment

Bullying and harassment of any kind are not tolerated at Kingston. The University has policies and processes in place to support staff and students including a harassment contact scheme offering confidential support and advice, available to all current students via MyKingston.

Counselling and wellbeing

From drop-in advice sessions to focused counselling, at Kingston we've got your back. Current Students can access the Wellbeing Hub on MyKingston.

KU cares

KU Cares is our tailored offer of support for care-leavers, students estranged from their families, Sanctuary Scholars and young adult carers. Our package includes support with accommodation, finances, advocacy and graduation.

LGBT+ Hub, Union of Kingston Students

The LGBT+ hub is a one-stop-shop for everything queer at Kingston University. Run by LGBT+ students, for LGBT+ students, it's a positive, non-discriminatory safe space, whose motto is: Represent, Educate, Campaign, Socialise, Liberate.

Personal Tutor Scheme

Every student is allocated a personal tutor to help with their studies and with whom they can raise any other concerns about university life. Current students can see more information on MyKingston.

Pregnancy and parenting: becoming a parent while studying

Kingston has a policy in place (PDF) to support students that become parents during their studies. This includes the completion of risk assessments and study plans to ensure students are supported throughout their pregnancy.

For staff

BAME Staff Network

An invaluable space for hundreds of colleagues to network, collaborate and support each other and be empowered to drive meaningful change across the University. Current staff can find out more on StaffSpace

Disability support

We are a disability confident employer, committed to enabling and supporting all staff to work and fulfil their potential. This includes adjustments and adaptations to working arrangements and equipment or software to ensure equal opportunity to work and access to the workplace.

Under the Disabled Go scheme we provide access information for buildings at each campus and as a member of the Business Disability Forum and all staff may access its advice service.

Dignity and respect

Everyone at Kingston University should be treated with dignity and respect. Bullying, harassment and discrimination of any kind are not tolerated. Our Dignity at Work procedure provides a formal mechanism to deal with an employee's concerns, while the harassment scheme provides informal support from trained volunteers. Please find more information here.

Employee Assistance Programme

Kingston University provides its staff with this independent, free, confidential, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme through Workplace Options to offer a little extra support to help you manage life's everyday challenges. StaffSpace provides more information for current staff.

Flexible working

All staff can request flexible working and the University will assess each request against a list of criteria recommended by ACAS and in conjunction with the University's Flexible Working Policy. See the policies page.

Gender identity

The University is seeking to providing a fully inclusive environment and is currently working on new policies and support for trans and non-binary staff.

LGBTQ+ Staff Network

This staff network provides opportunities to socialise, network, collaborate and ultimately make meaningful change happen via a supportive, safe space. Current staff can find out more on StaffSpace.

Occupational health

This confidential advisory service for staff includes all matters relating to health and work and promotes physical and mental wellbeing within the work place. Current staff can visit StaffSpace to find out more.

Parental and shared parental leave

Kingston promotes a consistent and supportive approach to employees who are about to become parents and to increase awareness about the provisions available for employees with new parental responsibilities. Current staff can visit StaffSpace for more information.