Recognising, reporting and preventing sexual misconduct

The Worker Protection Act (an amendment to the Equality Act) was introduced last year, meaning that employers now have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, including anticipating when it might occur. At the University, we are strengthening our existing policies and practices and putting in place new training provisions for all staff and managers. This is to ensure that all colleagues have the knowledge and confidence to recognise, report and help prevent sexual harassment.

A project team have been undertaking a review in line with the Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) 8-step guide for preventing workplace sexual harassment and developing a University action plan. Part of this plan involves assessing high-risk areas and mitigating the risks and all managers will be required to take an active role in this. Manager guidance is being prepared by the team, with support from colleagues in Health & Safety.

The University will also be strengthening its position on staff and student relationships - reinforcing a culture of mutual respect and protecting students from potential conflicts of interest or abuse of power.

We invite managers to engage with us as we create, implement and communicate these new measures. We will be inviting all managers to attend the manager training, and to work with us to identify our more vulnerable groups, such as lone workers, to ensure any tailored support can be put in place. Managers will also be key in driving their teams to engage with the new all-staff training and in fostering a culture where all colleagues feel safe and supported in the workplace.

The training is due to be rolled out late Spring, so please look out for further communications over the coming months.