Policies
The University backs up its commitment to creating a safe and respectful learning community through formal regulation and supportive policies and procedures which ensure that all members of the University community are clear about what acceptable behaviour looks like.
Staff/student relationships policy
The University prohibits intimate personal relationships between any relevant staff member and one or more students. If a relevant staff member enters an intimate personal relationship with a student, then the relevant staff member must declare this to their line manager. Staff members who fail to declare an intimate personal relationship that falls within the scope of this policy may face disciplinary action.
“Relevant staff member” means a member of staff who has direct academic responsibilities, or other direct professional responsibilities, in relation to a student.
This should not preclude any member of staff engaging compassionately and considerately as appropriate with a student on a professional basis.
University Regulations and Codes of Practice
The University Regulations and Codes of Practice for each cohort year can be found on our Student Intranet: Codes of Practice, Policies and Guidance. The following Codes of Practice and Regulations are of particular relevance to sexual misconduct and harassment:
- University Regulations (section 8)
- Code of Practice on Student Concerns and Complaints (appendix one), found under Conduct, Complaints and Appeals in the cohort legislation
- Safeguarding
- Harassment and Bullying
In addition, there are also some policies which apply specifically to our Post Graduate research students, which can be found within the Student Intranet: Codes of Practice, Policies and Guidance:
- Research Ethics, Research Programmes and Research related
Code of Practice on Assessment of Research Degree Theses
Code of Practice on the Supervision and Monitoring Progress of Postgraduate Researchers
- Taught Programmes and Modules
Code of Practice on Teaching and Academic Support provided by Registered Students
Guidance on Teaching and Academic Support provided by Registered Students
Further relevant information
As well as our formal policies, we have expectations of behaviour that we expect student members of our community to comply with to ensure that the university community continues to be positive environment for all. These expectations of behaviour are an informal contract which echoes our formal University Regulations and Codes of Practice which apply to all students.
The Harassment and Bullying website provides information about the University Harassment and Bullying Policy, which encompasses any behaviour that is unwanted and could reasonably be considered as violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
The University is committed to Safeguarding, and information about our Safeguarding policy and procedure for adults at risk (including all students) can be found on the University Safeguarding website
The University has a responsibility to protect and promote Freedom of Speech under the Higher Education Act 2023 alongside the actions it takes to prevent sexual misconduct and harassment against members of the University community. Our Freedom of Speech website details our Code of Practice on Free Speech as well as guidance for staff and students.
The University does not use NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) in any situation where sexual misconduct or harassment is reported, and has been committed to the Can’t Buy My Silence Universities Pledge since its inception in 2022.