Supporting a safe and inclusive Staffs experience, Staffordshire University and Staffordshire University Students’ Union support the Sunflower Lanyard scheme.
The Invisible Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme is a national initiative designed to act as a discreet sign that somebody has an invisible disability and may require additional assistance while out in public.
History of the scheme
The scheme was first launched in 2016 at Gatwick Airport by designers, Tabbers Limited, alongside the OCS Group UK, who provide support services to UK airports. More than 10,000 lanyards have been collected.
Today the lanyard is recognised at international airports, cinemas, shopping centres and several NHS Trusts as more UK airports, supermarkets, railway stations and sports venues distribute the lanyard. Sainsbury’s has been the first supermarket to trial the scheme with 40 stores. Tesco is also trialling the scheme in 15 Hertfordshire stores.
Face Covering Exemptions
Under COVID-19 guidance from the UK Government, some people are exempt from wearing face coverings. To support our staff and students, last year Staffordshire University joined The Invisible Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme, making sunflower lanyards available for all staff and students to allow members of our community signify that they are exempt from face coverings in a discreet way - should they choose to do so.
While the scheme is not a requirement by law, our University has taken the decision to ask all students, staff and visitors to work with us in doing everything we can to keep our University community safe during the pandemic.
If you have an exemption, you will never be asked for any personal information, but when on campus please be ready to show evidence that you are following the government exemption declaration if you choose not to wear a sunflower lanyard.
We'd like to thank the vast majority of people who are adhering to the policy and emphasise that if people repeatedly choose not to wear a face covering as required, refuse to wear a face covering when requested to do so by one of our COVID ambassadors or staff, or refuse to show their Sunflower Lanyard or other exemption when asked, then those individuals will be asked to leave our buildings.
If you don't have an exemption, please bring your face covering and wear it in all areas outlined in the official guidance at all times.
It is vitally important that we all work together to keep our campuses COVID-secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for a sunflower lanyard?
Any member of our University community with an invisible disability can get a lanyard. There is no qualifying list of disabilities as the lanyard only signifies that the wearer has an invisible disability and may need assistance.
Where can I collect a sunflower lanyard?
Sunflower lanyards can now be collected from a number of locations across our Campuses. These include:
- Stoke-On-Trent – Student Hub (Science Centre), Library Reception (Thompson Library), Campus Security (Cadman) ResLife (Coalport)
- BlackHeath Lane (Stafford) – Info Point
- Shrewsbury (Info Point)
- Staffordshire University London (Reception)
How can I get a sunflower lanyard ahead of coming to campus?
We recognise that some individuals will want to have a lanyard ahead of arriving on campus and so, as part of the return to campus work, we are looking to departments to collect and post out lanyards to individual staff and students who require one in advance.
I already have a sunflower lanyard; can I use that?
The sunflower lanyard is part of a national scheme and has been in use in airports and some supermarkets for a few years now. If you already have one, you are welcome to use it and there is no need to collect a new one.
Why ‘invisible disabilities’ not hidden?
Whilst the national scheme calls itself the ‘hidden disabilities’ sunflower lanyard scheme, Staffordshire University is using the term invisible disabilities. We are proud of the diverse make-up of our University and would not want anyone to feel they should hide who they are.