#NeverOK

The University of 91快活林 is committed to upholding a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone in our community, and we are all collectively responsible for this aim. We believe that any form of harassment, abuse, sexual misconduct or discrimination is #NeverOK.

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Students and staff have a right to always be treated with dignity and respect, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour that contradicts our values. We have adopted a host of measures and initiatives, which uphold our commitment to achieving this critical objective and address any incidents that occur through a whole-university approach.

On this page you will find information on how we are putting staff and students at the heart of our strategy and action in this area. We all have a role to play in furthering this work, so you will also see an overview of how we plan to liberate the talent of staff and students, to ensure everyone has the skills they need to succeed in a healthy and inclusive place to work and study.

This page has information about:


Strategy and governance

We have set up a Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Oversight Group, which reports into the University Executive Board, and brings together key stakeholders from across our community in order to review existing approaches. The purpose and structure of the group is outlined in the , which will be updated biennially.

We continue to actively engage with the Office for Students’ and   in relation to incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct to ensure our systems, policies and processes reflect sector-best practice.

Our approach

The host of proactive and reactive measures we have in place enable us to work with all our members to create and maintain a safe culture, and address any incidents that arise. Our approach is centred on:

  • delivering meaningful, long-term change, towards a culture of understanding and respect
  • defining our expectations as a university community for a zero-tolerance approach
  • engaging with students and staff to continue to enhance our systems and processes, specifically in relation to disclosing incidents
  • providing effective support and training
  • raising awareness through an ongoing programme of content, policies, and activities
  • responding proactively to all reports of harassment 

Our expectations

Students

As a community, we expect all students to uphold our values, and to conduct themselves with appropriate care and respect for other individuals – our expectations are laid out in our Code of Conduct for Students.

Students who have committed unacceptable conduct could face disciplinary action under the university's . While this is the main mechanism through which cases of student misconduct are addressed, behaviours may also fall within other policies and procedures. Individuals who have been found to breach our procedures may face a range of sanctions.

Examples of good conduct, unacceptable behaviour, and of the potential sanctions for misconduct, can be found in the tabs below.

Staff

The University of 91快活林 has a zero tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and victimisation, and is committed to tackling this at all levels of the institution. We have implemented to assist in maintaining a supportive working environment where unacceptable behaviour is easily identified, challenged, and stopped. 

It is intended this will improve employee performance, raise morale, reduce stress and absence levels and aid retention. All employees are entitled to:

  • a working environment free from bullying, intimidation, harassment or victimisation
  • be treated with dignity, respect and courtesy
  • experience no form of unlawful discrimination
  • be valued for their skills and abilities.

Policies

Good Conduct

Good conduct involves being aware of your own behaviour, knowing what is acceptable and taking responsibility for your own actions.

Good conduct includes:

  • Being considerate and courteous towards others
  • Being attentive to our university’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Behaving in a respectful manner towards others so that they do not feel they are being harassed or bullied
  • Acting responsibly
  • Being honest
  • Abiding by the law.

Misconduct - Abusive or Offensive Behaviour 

Abusive or offensive behaviour, also covers acts of bullying and harassment. Examples of these behaviours include but are not limited to:

  • Abusive comments relating to an individual’s identity or protected characteristics, regardless of context i.e. where the person making the comments states they were made in jest
  • Repeatedly following another person, for example stalking
  • Use of inappropriate language e.g. swearing; racist, sexist, homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, xenophobic, ableist or ageist language; language which either intentionally or unintentionally causes offence
  • Repeatedly contacting another person against the wishes of the other person, by any method
  • Distributing or publishing – physical or digitally – any material, which is offensive, intimidating, threatening, or illegal
  • Creating or further distributing and publishing an existing image of a student, staff member or other person without permission.

Physical Misconduct 

Examples of physical misconduct include but are not limited to:

  • Use of physical violence against any student, staff member or visitor - including but not limited to: punching, kicking, slapping, biting, pushing, shoving, pulling hair
  • Threats to hurt another person.

Sexual Misconduct

Examples of sexual misconduct include, but are not limited to:

  • Attempting or engaging in sexual intercourse or a sexual act without consent, or where consent cannot be given due to incapacity
  • Sharing private sexual materials of another person without consent
  • Kissing without consent
  • Touching inappropriately without consent
  • Inappropriately showing sexual organs to another person
  • Making unwanted remarks, sounds, and/or gestures of a sexual nature.

You can find our here.

Sanctions

Students who have been found to breach the Student Disciplinary procedure may face one or more of the following sanctions:

  • Application of conditions to continuation of time at the university, including limiting access to specific activities or parts of the university
  • Compensation for damage caused
  • Monetary fine
  • Formal warning
  • Suspension
  • Expulsion from the university.

Academic Freedom

We work hard to create the right conditions to protect and promote free speech and academic freedom at the University of 91快活林, ensuring that different voices are heard – particularly those from marginalised groups. We aim to create an environment where all students and staff are able to inquire, study and discuss a range of topics and views, including the complex and controversial, in the knowledge they will be listened to and treated respectfully.

Everyone who works, studies, or speaks at our university, has the right to be free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation. We will continue to do all we can to foster good relations on campus, provide safe spaces, and ensure a culture which encourages diverse groups and individuals to participate in debate and discussion, with mutual dignity and respect. Enabling debate and the exchange of views, where it is safe and legal to do so, is how we advance understanding.

Student and staff disclosure tools

Students

If you are being subjected to any form of harassment, discrimination, violence or abuse, please know that you do not need to suffer in silence. You can to us, either with your name or anonymously. Our disclosure tool is a supportive mechanism - if you include your name and contact details, our Disclosure Response Team will get in touch to help you get the support you need.

Our dedicated team is comprised of trained staff who can provide practical support, signpost you to specialist services, explain options for making a formal report or complaint, and support you with managing your safety.

Any personal information provided will remain confidential within the Student Wellbeing Service. Personal information will only be disclosed outside of the service in exceptional circumstances, such as if we are concerned for your safety or the safety of others. All personal data you provide to your Disclosure Response Advisor and via the online disclosure tool will be held securely in line with General Protection Data Regulations (GDPR) regulations and in accordance with our Retention Schedules. Anonymised data may be used for statistical and service improvement. For further information please see our.

The Disclosure Response Team will not be able to respond directly to anonymous disclosures. However this information is important to us, and will be used to help us understand what is happening in our university community, and shape our responses and actions accordingly.

Contacting the Disclosure Response Team does not initiate a formal report or complaint to the university. If you give your name, the Disclosure Response Team can take you through your options so that you can make an informed decision.

Find out more about the type of issues you can disclose.

Contacts for making a formal report.

Staff

A  (log-in required) under the guidance of the Harassment Working Group, chaired by our Director of People, Julie Fryatt. If staff have been subjected to harassment, bullying, discrimination or domestic violence our trained Harassment Disclosure Response Advisors (HDRA’s) can be accessed via the disclosure tool.

The HDRA’s can offer assistance to colleagues who make a disclosure by providing a space to discuss issues and signpost to support and next steps where appropriate.

The #NeverOK Oversight Group, also chaired by our Director of People, will consider and lead on new initiatives and respond quickly to emerging issues. The scope of this group considers all forms of harassment and scenarios involving our community.

Additionally, the university has signed the non-disclosure agreement pledge from Can’t Buy My Silence, which is a campaign aimed at ending the misuse of non-disclosure agreements for those who experience sexual violence, harassment, or abuse.

Information about what you can disclose

Emergency contacts

How you can get involved

We all have a part to play in upholding this critical objective.

Training for staff

The Equality and Diversity team is responsible for leading training and development for staff in this area. Their aim is to promote equality in all activities, and provide a work, learning, research, and teaching environment free from discrimination and unfair treatment.

Please contact the Equality and Diversity team to find out about upcoming sessions and to register your interest in taking part.

  • Mandatory e-Learning: Equality and Diversity Essentials, Managing Diversity and Unconscious Bias
    • All staff are required to complete these online modules, which provide training on topics around Equality and Diversity in the university, and more broadly. 
  • Recommended e-Learning: Safeguarding and Mental Health Awareness
  • Active Bystander Training
    • In the 2020–21 academic year, 58 members of staff attended this training pilot, as part of our commitment to continue exploring new methods and initiatives 
  • LGBT+ Awareness Training
  • Trans Awareness Training
  • Race Literacy Training
  • Race Ally Training
  • Disability Awareness Training
  • Equality Impact Assessment and Equality Impact Reviews

Training for students

  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essentials module
    • A module to introduce students to these topics. All students are encouraged to self-enrol through My Studies.
  • Wellbeing Champions
    • A three tier training programme for students who want to learn more about building and maintaining their own wellbeing, and that of their peers.
  • Online consent training
    Working with , we’ve created an to introduce you to conversations around consent, sexual relationships, and sexual violence. The training also explores gender and cultural norms as well as common myths that can affect our ability to have healthy sexual experiences. Please be aware that some of the course content references sexual violence and trauma which may be distressing or triggering for some people.

Staff Equality Network Groups

These groups provide informal peer support and networking for staff. Members also help inform university policy on equality related issues and topics. Search Staff Central for more information.

  • Disability and Carers
  • LGBT+
  • Parents
  • Race and Faith

91快活林 Students’ Union

Workshops

  • In the 2020–21 academic year, BSU hosted consent workshops, attended by students and staff, which discussed topics around consent culture, and how to challenge problematic behaviour to create a positive environment.

Societies

  • There are over 100 societies at the 91快活林 Students' Union, open to all students, where you can meet new people and undertake activities on a range of different topics.

Disclosure Response Advisors

The Disclosure Response Team is made up of trained staff who can provide guidance and support to students who have disclosed that they have experienced an incident of harassment, abuse, sexual misconduct or discrimination. They provide early practical support, signposting to specialist services, explain the student's options for making a formal report or complaint, and support students with managing their safety.

All Disclosure Response Advisors receive specialist training, meet regularly to discuss service enhancements and share-best practice, and are supported by the Wellbeing and Cause for Concern teams

Support and resources

Your university support system

Your mental health and wellbeing is always our priority. We’re here for you and our expert teams are available to help.

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Self-help guides

No matter what you are experiencing, we are always here to help. We have a library of self-help guides that can support you with a range of issues, including . If you are a student, you may also want to speak with your Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT).

Togetherall

You also have access to a 24/7 online community and professional support from trained counsellors through Togetherall. To join, simply go to and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your university email address.

External organisations and specialist support services

You can access a range of services, who offer specialist support for bullying and harassment, discrimination, domestic abuse and stalking, hate incidents and hate crime, physical assault and sexual violence. You will find links to relevant organisations under the ‘what incidents can I disclose?’ section.

How to contact us

Disclosure

  • Students can disclose an incident to us by completing the .
  • Students can also speak to a trusted member of staff such as your Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT) or personal tutor. They will be able to help you complete the form or contact the Disclosure Response Team on your behalf, if you prefer.
  • Staff can contact the Human Resources department, who deliver our policies, strategies, and procedures on all aspects of people management.

Formal reporting

If you are a student, and would like to make a formal report:

Student Wellbeing Team

University premises

  • If you are on university premises, you can call the university emergency number 01273 642222.

Emergency services

  • If there is an imminent threat to your, or another person’s safety, call 999.

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