Staff Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment Policy
The University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of its community and to preventing and eliminating Sexual Misconduct and Harassment, whether committed by staff, students, visitors, contractors, suppliers, or members of the public.
Our University Principles make clear that we do not tolerate sexual misconduct, violence or abuse (Principle 3Link opens in a new window). 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.
Any member of the University community who has been affected by sexual misconduct or 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 hereLink opens in a new window.
Our Staff Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment PolicyLink opens in a new window sets out the variations to the University’s existing Disciplinary Policy to ensure there is clarity for reporting and responding parties in relation to sexual misconduct and harassment matters.
If you are a student affected by sexual misconduct or harassment, please refer to the Student Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Abuse PolicyLink opens in a new window.
Further details can be found on the Behaviour Misconduct, Student Harassment and Sexual MisconductLink opens in a new window page.
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.
Guidance and Support
We understand that for many, being involved in the Staff Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment Policy and accompanying procedures may be unfamiliar. We have developed a suite of guidance documents to support those involved with each stage of the process below, but further help and advice is available from your People Partner.
If you are a line manager, an Investigating Officer or a member of a Disciplinary/Appeal Hearing panel, further guidance documents are available. Please speak to the People Partner supporting the case, who will be able to provide you with copies.
Reporting a complaint:
Sexual Misconduct Complaints FormLink opens in a new window
Investigation stage:FAQs - for individual who raised the complaintLink opens in a new window
FAQs - for individual subject to allegationLink opens in a new window
FAQs - for witnessesLink opens in a new window
Investigation meetings - guidance for employeesLink opens in a new window
Disciplinary Hearing:
FAQs - for individual who raised the complaintLink opens in a new window
FAQs - for individual subject to allegationLink opens in a new window
FAQs - for witnessesLink opens in a new window
Disciplinary Hearing - guidance for individual who raised the complaintLink opens in a new window
Disciplinary Hearing - guidance for individual subject to allegationLink opens in a new window
Appeal Hearing:
FAQs - for individual subject to allegationLink opens in a new window
Appeal Hearing - guidance for individual who raised the complaintLink opens in a new window
Appeal Hearing - guidance for individual subject to allegationLink opens in a new window
Suspension:
FAQs - suspensionLink opens in a new window
Other forms of support: