Addressing Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct in Higher Education
This page outlines our approach to handling student harassment and sexual misconduct, including policies on personal relationships between staff and students. It serves as the central source of guidance, in line with regulatory requirements set by the Office for Students.
Understanding Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
In accordance with our Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy, these behaviours are defined as:
- Harassment: Any unwelcome behaviour tied to a protected characteristic that undermines someone’s dignity or contributes to a hostile, intimidating, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. This includes harassment by association or perception, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
- Sexual Misconduct: Any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. This encompasses (but isn’t limited to):
- Sexual harassment (Equality Act 2010, Section 26(2))
- Sexual assault and rape (Sexual Offences Act 2003)
- Unwanted physical advances (EHRC, Sexual harassment and the law, 2017)
- Coercion involving sexual favors in exchange for benefits or opportunities (EHRC, 2017)
- Sharing explicit images or videos without consent (Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015)
Key Areas of Focus:
- Freedom of Speech
- How to report harassment or sexual misconduct
- Support services for those impacted
Reporting Harassment and Sexual Misconduct in Higher Education
Reporting Mechanisms
We provide multiple routes for reporting harassment or sexual misconduct:
- Students or staff may discuss concerns informally with a designated adviser (Personal Tutor, Senior member of staff, or Safeguarding (Room A35), alternatively you can email HE@petroc.ac.uk
- Informal support can lead to facilitated discussions or practical resolutions where appropriate.
- Reports can be submitted via our complaint procedure (anonymous or named). Email quality@petroc.ac.uk
Reports can be made by:
- Affected individuals (complainants)
- Witnesses
- Third parties (e.g. friends, tutors, support staff), with consent
- Investigations will be timely, fair, and sensitive to the needs of all parties.
- Interim measures may be put in place to protect individuals during investigations (e.g., no-contact arrangements).
- Disciplinary action may be taken if allegations are substantiated, up to and including expulsion or dismissal.
Both complainants and respondents are entitled to:
- A named caseworker or adviser
- Access to counselling or wellbeing services
- Information on academic or practical adjustments
- Support during meetings or hearings (e.g., a trained supporter or union representative)
- Reports are treated with strict confidentiality.
- Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis in line with GDPR and safeguarding obligations.
- Anonymous reports are accepted but may limit the scope of action the university can take.
- All reporting routes and support services are designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of background or protected characteristics.
- Materials are available in alternative formats, and language support can be provided.
- All students and staff are required to complete annual training on consent, harassment, and active bystander approaches.
- Targeted interventions are provided for staff in positions of trust or pastoral responsibility.
- The university will regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of this policy and associated procedures.
- Data on reports and outcomes will be anonymised and reported annually to the university's governance body and to the OfS as required.
For confidential advice or to make a report:
- Student Support Services: Wellbeing@petroc.ac.uk
- HR/Staff Support: HR@petroc.ac.uk
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Safeguarding@petroc.ac.uk
- Email HE@petroc.ac.uk
