Healthy relationships are an important part of your university experience, whether they’re friendships, romantic relationships, or those you have with academic and other University staff. We’re here to help you understand what healthy, respectful relationships look like and how to navigate them confidently.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and sexual misconduct
Unwanted attention, coercion, and any form of sexual misconduct are not tolerated within our university community. We can help you to understand what behaviour crosses the line and what to do if you see it or experience it.
Consent and Active Bystander Training Module
It’s important that you complete our mandatory Consent and Active Bystander Training Module, either as part of your induction, or as part of your return to campus registration tasks. You’ll learn about the importance of having a clear and voluntary agreement with anyone that you’re going to have a physical or intimate interaction with, plus the knowledge and skills you’d need to safely intervene – if you feel comfortable to do so – if you see inappropriate behaviour. Find the link to the training for your faculty below:
We have carefully considered the content of this training, however we know there may be content within these modules that some of you may find distressing or triggering. If you require confidential support and advice, please contact the central Wellbeing Team.
Find out more about the Guild’s Bystander Intervention training – Tuesday 2 December, 3-5pm
We’re here to offer you support and guidance if you need it
Whether you’ve experienced something yourself, or are worried about a friend, housemate or coursemate, confidential help and advice are always available from Student Services. You’ll be listened to and anything you tell us will be taken seriously, whether it is something that’s happened in the past, or is still happening.
There are several ways you can report an incident or ongoing situation to us. You can get in touch with the Advice and Guidance team in Student Services. Our Report + Support tool gives you the option to send us a report with your contact details included, or to report anonymously if you’d prefer. We have clear procedures in place for reporting incidents, and you will be treated with care, fairness, and respect.
Romantic or sexual relationships between staff and students are strongly discouraged by us for your protection
We understand that most of you are over 18 and are therefore consenting adults. However, there can be inherent problems with romantic or sexual relationships between students and staff, such as issues related to power imbalances, or perceptions and accusations of preferential treatment that can affect your friendships and other relationships during your time at University.
If you do enter into this type of relationship, it’s important to know that the member of staff is obliged to notify the University about it.
You can find more information about our approach to harassment, sexual misconduct, bullying, hate crime, assault, discrimination, or any behaviour that makes you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or targeted on our Safe and Welcoming Campus webpages.