When I became ill, the acting principal at my college said, “I’m not bothered what’s caused your illness”, and then proceeded to exclude me from the college premises.

For many months my requests for help, including the opportunity to meet with the college chaplain, were turned down flat. I have repeatedly asked the college to explain why it behaved the way it did towards me but on each occasion, I have met a wall of silence.

While policy statements may emphasise the need to treat staff with dignity and respect, in practice I have found they are often virtually meaningless.

Also, logos for “Investor in People” and “Positive About Disabled People”, along with statements about being committed to equal opportunities, displayed in job advertisements and on letterheads, have little relevance for those who, through no fault of their own, are ostracised by their senior managers.

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