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University of South Wales Ethical Careers Policy

Purpose and Principles

This policy outlines our commitment to supporting students and graduates with high quality and impartial careers advice to make informed, values-aligned career choices. We promote opportunities that contribute positively to society, the environment, and the wellbeing of future generations.

Our approach is underpinned by:

To ensure we meet the diverse aspirations of our students and graduates, we adhere to the core principles and professional standards set out in the AGCAS Code of Ethics. This commitment reinforces our impartial approach, free from bias, and supports individuals in making informed, autonomous decisions about their career development.

We follow the following six ethical careers principles -

1. Employer Engagement and Exclusion Criteria

We will not knowingly engage with employers whose core business activities conflict with our ethical standards. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Fossil fuel companies (e.g., companies listed on the Carbon Underground 200).
  • Mining operations with significant environmental or human rights concerns e.g. Transition Mineral Mining 50, including those explicitly involved with coal and tar sands.
  • Tobacco companies and those that produce tobacco-based products.
  • Companies linked certain industries outlined in USW Careers Terms and Conditions.

These organisations will not be permitted to:

  • Advertise roles on our platforms*
  • Attend careers fairs or employer events
  • Participate in university-sponsored recruitment activities

*On occasion related roles may be uploaded by third party organisations to our careers Jobs and Opportunities feed. We will decline approval of any roles where manual approval is required.

2. Promotion of Ethical and Sustainable Careers

We actively promote:

  • Green jobs and careers that support environmental sustainability.
  • Roles in the third sector, social enterprises, and public service.
  • Employers with strong commitments to diversity, equity, and ethical governance.
  • We prioritise opportunities that align with the SDGs and contribute to a transition to a low-carbon economy.

3. Sustainable Careers Events

At USW Careers, we’re committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students and graduates to connect with employers, while also promoting sustainability on campus.

We actively encourage all third-party employers attending our events to help reduce their environmental impact by:

  • Minimising the use of paper and printed materials
  • Choosing eco-friendly giveaways and reducing promotional waste
  • Bringing reusable water bottles to avoid single-use plastics
  • Using public transport or car sharing to reduce travel emissions

4. Fair Work and Pay Standards

We are committed to promoting:

  • Paid internships and placements at or above the Real Living Wage.
  • Opportunities that offer safe, legal, and inclusive working conditions.
  • Transparent job descriptions and fair recruitment practices.
  • Unpaid roles will only be promoted under strict conditions (e.g., under 70 hours, voluntary sector, or part of a structured learning experience).

5. Third party providers

USW Careers currently works with the following third-party providers to supply services:

6. Transparency and Review

USW Careers is independently run by the University of South Wales and feedback is welcomed to ensure this policy remains relevant, inclusive, and impactful.

To feedback on this policy, please contact the Head of Careers Development Services.

All USW Careers staff details, including name and role are available in the Meet the Team section.

This policy is publicly available via the USW Careers webpages and reviewed annually in consultation with:

  • Students and Students Union
  • Academic and professional services staff

 

Owner: USW Careers
Written by: Emma Forouzan, Head of Careers Development Services [email protected]
Approved by: Emma Adamson, Director of Learning Services
Approval date: 02.06.25
Review date: 02.06.26