We have a bespoke Policy on harassment and sexual misconduct which you can access here.

This sets out in more detail our approach and how we deal with reported instances of harassment and sexual misconduct. It also explains how we investigate incidents of harassment and/or sexual misconduct and when the UCW Student Code of Conduct would be invoked.

It is important to clarify what we mean by the terms ‘harassment’ and ‘sexual misconduct’. The Office for Students have provided the following guidance for students:

‘Harassment’ has the meaning given in both the Equality Act 2010 and the Protection of Harassment Act 1997 and is defined as when a person engages in unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic (such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation). This conduct:

• Violates the victim’s dignity, or
• Creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for them.

It is also defined as a course of conduct that causes the victim alarm or distress, and this can be verbal, non-verbal, physical, directed at an individual or group, and can be unintentional.

‘Sexual Misconduct’ means any unwanted or attempted unwanted conduct of a sexual nature and includes, but is not limited to:

1. 1. sexual harassment;
   2. sexual assault; and
   3. rape.

Both harassment or sexual misconduct can include student-on-student, staff-on-student and student on staff misconduct.

UCW will provide support to students that report harassment or sexual misconduct regardless of whether it completely falls into these definitions; it is about how the person feels about the situation that is paramount to us.

If you’ve experienced harassment or sexual misconduct—or if something has happened that you’re unsure about—you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it happened recently or in the past, you are welcome to speak with a member of our Welfare and Wellbeing Team. They are here to listen, support you, and help you explore your options in a safe and non-judgmental space.

You are never under any pressure to formally report anything. The choice is entirely yours. If you do decide to report, the team will be with you every step of the way. If you choose not to, you will still receive full support and care.

We also understand that sometimes people may reflect on their own behaviour and feel concerned. If you’re worried that you may have acted inappropriately or caused harm, you can also speak to the Welfare and Wellbeing Team. They will listen without judgment and help you understand the next steps.

You can reach out in whatever way feels most comfortable:

• Drop in to the HEART office
• Email: heart@ucw.ac.uk
• Call: 01934 411 768
• Or book an appointment online: Appointments with HEART.

If you’d prefer to speak with your personal tutor first, that’s absolutely fine too. They can listen and help you connect with the support you need.

We have clear rules to protect students from any conflicts of interest or abuse of power in relationships between staff and students.

If a staff member is in a personal or intimate relationship with a student, they must tell their manager and HR. This helps us make sure:

• You can report concerns without involving that staff member.
• Your grades or opportunities aren’t affected.
• Everything is handled fairly for all students.

If you ever feel uncomfortable about a situation with a staff member, you can speak to the HEART team. If the issue involves someone in HEART, you can go to the Weston College Welfare team instead