Our zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and sexual violence

We are committed to ensuring our University is a welcoming and inclusive place, where everyone is safe and treated with respect. Here is an update on our ongoing work in this area.

The University of Essex has a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and sexual violence. We do not and will not tolerate such behaviour and, together with our Students Union, we are committed to making our University an inclusive and welcoming environment, where everyone is safe and treated with respect.

You may be aware that a number of historic cases of sexual harassment have been covered in the media as part of a wider focus on how Universities are tackling this issue. All of the allegations made were investigated and we have taken action where it is possible for us to do so.

However, as a consequence of these and other cases, we undertook a full review of our policy and processes last academic year. This has resulted in a number of changes to our disciplinary and support processes. The most important change has been the substantial revision of the Code of Student Conduct, which we also strengthened to ensure we have the tools and policies in place to improve our handling of such cases. The new Code of Student Conduct and the accompanying expectations of behaviour formed the basis for much of our communications to all new and returning students at the start of the academic year.

We have also extended the visibility of our reporting platform Report and Support.

Alongside improving reporting and disciplinary processes, we have also introduced consent training for all students; bystander training; additional security patrols at night and CCTV coverage across all our campuses; and have provided additional resources for our conduct team to ensure issues are dealt with as quickly as possible.

Importantly, University Senate now receives a termly assurance report on the implementation of the Code of Student Conduct 2019-20. This report will be available to all staff following the Senate meeting next week through the Committee portal.

We have taken independent external advice to ensure we are creating a fair and transparent process that supports students who make complaints and ensures their wellbeing is monitored, and will continue to do so, on an ongoing basis.

If you are the victim of, or witness to, an incident that you feel is a breach of the Code of Student Conduct; you should report the incident through Report and Support. The University’s conduct procedures are not intended to replace criminal proceedings and if the allegation you have made might be an offence under criminal law, you are expected to report the matter to the Police.

This area remains a priority for our whole community, and we all need to play our part in ensuring we are a safe and inclusive environment. We are a community of supportive and courageous people who, working together can and will instigate change.

If you have any suggestions or feedback or if you need support with any of the issues raised above please contact our Human Resources section.