Preventing and addressing harassment and sexual misconduct

Annual report 2024ñޓ25

 
At the ñ, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all students and staff. We take harassment and sexual misconduct very seriously and continue to strengthen how we prevent, respond to, and support those affected.
This report shares data from the 2024ñޓ25 academic year, highlights the action weñޙve taken, and sets out our priorities for the year ahead.
By publishing this report each year, we aim to:
  •  Increase transparency about the issues being reported.
  •  Build confidence in our processes.
  •  Promote awareness of how to seek support and report concerns.
 

What we mean by harassment and sexual misconduct

We use the terms 'harassment' and 'sexual misconduct' in line with our policies and sector standards:
Sexual misconduct refers to any unwanted sexual act or behaviour committed without consent, including sexual assault, harassment, coercion, and exploitation.
Harassment refers to unwelcome behaviour that creates a hostile or offensive environment, especially when linked to protected characteristics such as race, sex, or disability.

Our reporting systems

Students can report experiences of harassment and sexual misconduct through our ñޘSpeak Upñޙ platform, which allows for both anonymous and named disclosures. Reports can also be made via staff or third parties such as tutors or external agencies. 
 
 

2024ñޓ25 report highlights

Sexual misconduct

  • Total student full-person equivalent (FPE) population for academic year 2024/25 was 17,500
  • Total reports: 57 (up from 51 in 2023-24)
  • Reports with known detail: 44
    • Sexual harassment: 33%
    • Sexual assault: 25%
    • Domestic/relationship abuse: 19%
    • Other: (8%)
  • 89% of investigated cases were upheld.
  • 17 students accessed specialist support from our trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs).

Harassment

  • Total student full-person equivalent (FPE) population for academic year 2024/25 was 17,500
  • Total Reports: 143 (up from 138 in 2023/24)
  • Predominantly student-on-student: 87% of cases
  • 68% of reporting students were female
  • 77% of reports were not linked to a protected characteristic
  • 55% of protected characteristic-related harassment cases related to race or ethnicity
  • 89% of progressed cases were upheld

What weñޙve done in 2024/25

  •  Launched the Single Comprehensive Source of Information (SCSI) in July 2024
  •  Introduced new student training on consent, harassment and bystander intervention
  •  Updated key student policies: Sexual Misconduct, Prevention of Harassment, and Student Disciplinary Procedure
  •  Delivered awareness campaigns including ñޘTea and Consentñޙ Tent at Freshers, ñޘTalk About Sexñޙ event, and ñޘEveryone is Welcome ñޓ Make it Count campaignñޙ

Priorities for 2025/26

  •  Ensuring continued compliance with OfS E6 and embedding into BAU
  •  Embedding annual SCSI declarations for students (via online enrolment)
  •  Monitoring and continued oversight of student training 
  •  Continuing to broaden Sexual Violence Liaison Officers to support harassment
  •  Delivering improved education campaigns
  •  Scoping an evaluation approach to demonstrating ñޜcredible and significantñޝ outcomes for students
  •  Continuing to support wider campaigns and partnerships across the city
 

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