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Published in 2022, this is our guidance for universities on how to prevent and respond to these cases of staff-to-student sexual misconduct in higher education.
The aim of this guidance, and all our work on tackling harassment, is to change the culture of higher education. We need a culture that prevents sexual misconduct from happening. We must make sure that everyone in our universities is safe to learn, to work, and to achieve their full potential.
It’s up to universities to decide how best to use this guidance to create change. We are asking universities to consider our recommendations alongside their legal and regulatory duties.
The Strategic guide is designed to support vice-chancellors and governing bodies. It provides a summary of the problem and our high-level, strategic recommendations.
The report recommends that institutions:
Our practical guide for universities and their staff includes suggested actions to take to help universities meet our recommendations.
The Practical guide should be read in conjunction with the Strategic guide. It is targeted at professional services staff including student services, people services/human resources, student complaints, discipline and conduct, security, and residential teams, and other operational staff; working with their students and student leaders, students’ and staff unions, victim-survivors, and specialist external organisations.
This guidance provides actions to support the delivery of high-level recommendations to address staff-to-student sexual misconduct, set out in our Strategic guide.
It is based on developing positive cultures within universities and with institutional/collaborative partners, underpinned by robust policies and procedures.
The guidance suggests actions and recommendations across four areas:
The Evidence review provides evidence and information on the nature and scope of staff-to-student sexual misconduct and examples from universities supporting the assertions and recommendations included in the Practical guide.
The Legal briefing by lawyers Eversheds Sutherland sets out the legal and regulatory framework, with practical examples to illustrate implementation.
Our monthly updates are a great way for you to stay up to date with our work, events, and higher education news.