8. The Equality Act 2010, states that it is unlawful to discriminate against individuals because of their religion, religious belief or similar philosophical belief. Imperial College values the diversity of its staff and students and aims to create an environment where the cultural, religious and non-religious or similar philosophical beliefs of all are respected.
9. The College welcomes the variety of appearance brought by individual styles and choices. The wearing of items arising from particular cultural/ religious norms (including, for example, saris, turbans, skullcaps, hijabs, kippahs and clerical collars) is seen as part of this welcome diversity.
10. Subject to Paragraph 4b. above, if the College's Dress Policy produces a conflict with an individual's religious belief, the individual's line manager or the student's supervisor will, with the aim of finding a satisfactory compromise, sympathetically consider the issue consistent with the objectives of this policy. Such consideration may include ensuring that a version of a uniform for women includes the option of wearing trousers. Similarly, if a uniform includes headwear then the wearing of turbans should not be prohibited unless there is an over-riding health and safety need.
11. There will be circumstances, such as in laboratories or on student placement visits, where it may be necessary to impose particular dress codes, for example for medical students on placement in NHS Trusts.
12. The health, safety and security of members of the College community must be the College's prime consideration at all times. Where the health and safety or security of the person wearing the dress (or that of others) is compromised, it may be necessary to request that the person does not wear that dress or a particular aspect of it. This will be handled with sensitivity and the reasons for the request given.