Staff Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure
Update - Sexual harassment at work: New guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
From 26 October 2024 all employers will have additional legal duties placed on them to protect staff from sexual harassment. The University remains committed to eliminating all forms of sexual harassment and providing a supportive and confidential environment where individuals feel confident and empowered to disclose concerns. Any member of the University community who has been affected by sexual harassment (even if this has taken place off campus or has been committed by a third party such as a visitor), or is concerned about a colleague or member of their team, should seek further help, advice and support from the Report and Support Team. Further information about disclosing sexual harassment is available here.
Our Staff Sexual Misconduct Policy and ProcedureLink opens in a new window sets out the variations to the University’s existing Disciplinary Policy and Procedure to ensure there is clarity for reporting and responding parties in relation to sexual misconduct matters.
What do I need to know?
·Line managers are expected to foster a safe environment and a respectful workplace for staff in their teams/departments in line with our University Values.
·All staff must complete relevant training – in addition to the Good Course consent/sexual harassment modules, further training and resources are available here.
·All staff should familiarise themselves with the various forms of sexual harassment and encourage colleagues to speak out if they witness unwanted behaviours or have any concerns.
·All staff must respond to incidents as they arise and ensure that individuals engage with the Report and Support Team at the earliest opportunity. Disclosures are to be handled sensitively and in line with relevant policy. Seek advice from your HR Business Partner if you have any questions about this.
·Assessing potential risk – University risk assessment guidance is available here. A useful checklist for managers has been developed by the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
·The changes also apply to the prevention of sexual harassment by third parties, including students, contractors and visitors.
Please contact the Employee Relations Team if you have any further queries.
The University is committed to providing a supportive and confidential environment where individuals feel confident and empowered to disclose, will be listened to and understand the options available to them.
This Staff Sexual Misconduct Policy and ProcedureLink opens in a new window applies to all employees and has been designed to address all forms of sexual misconduct. This policy expands on the existing principles outlined in the University’s Disciplinary Policy and Procedure.
Our University Principles make clear that we do not tolerate sexual misconduct, violence or abuse (Principle 3). They also make clear that we are committed to providing a working environment in which all members of our community feel safe and are respected.
We will support everyone in our community to challenge inappropriate behaviour where it is safe for them to do so.
If you, or someone you know, feels unsafe or uncomfortable about anything that has happened, the University can help. We will listen to you, and ensure that you are able to make personal and informed decisions and feel supported from the outset.
You can access a range of support via: