#NeverOK

Students and staff have a right to always be treated with dignity and respect, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour that contradicts our values. We have adopted a host of measures and initiatives, which uphold our commitment to achieving this critical objective and address any incidents that occur through a whole-university approach.

On this page you will find information on how we are putting staff and students at the heart of our strategy and action in this area. We all have a role to play in furthering this work, so you will also see an overview of how we plan to liberate the talent of staff and students, to ensure everyone has the skills they need to succeed in a healthy and inclusive place to work and study.

This page has information about:

• Our strategy and governance
• Our approach
• Our expectations
• Student and staff disclosure tools
• How you can get involved
• Latest blog posts
• Support and resources
• How to contact us

Strategy and governance

We have set up a Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Oversight Group, which reports into the University Executive Board, and brings together key stakeholders from across our community in order to review existing approaches. The purpose and structure of the group is outlined in the Terms of Reference, which will be updated biennially.

We continue to actively engage with the Office for Students’ Statement of Expectations (2020) and Regulatory Requirements (2024)  in relation to incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct to ensure our systems, policies and processes reflect sector-best practice.

Our approach

The host of proactive and reactive measures we have in place enable us to work with all our members to create and maintain a safe culture, and address any incidents that arise. Our approach is centred on:

• delivering meaningful, long-term change, towards a culture of understanding and respect
• defining our expectations as a university community for a zero-tolerance approach
• engaging with students and staff to continue to enhance our systems and processes, specifically in relation to disclosing incidents
• providing effective support and training
• raising awareness through an ongoing programme of content, policies, and activities
• responding proactively to all reports of harassment 
• #NeverOK training strategy

Our expectations

Students

As a community, we expect all students to uphold our values, and to conduct themselves with appropriate care and respect for other individuals – our expectations are laid out in our Code of Conduct for Students.

Students who have committed unacceptable conduct could face disciplinary action under the university's Student Disciplinary Procedure. While this is the main mechanism through which cases of student misconduct are addressed, behaviours may also fall within other policies and procedures. Individuals who have been found to breach our procedures may face a range of sanctions.

Examples of good conduct, unacceptable behaviour, and of the potential sanctions for misconduct, can be found in the tabs below.

Staff

The University of Brighton has a zero tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and victimisation, and is committed to tackling this at all levels of the institution. We have implemented internal policies and procedures to assist in maintaining a supportive working environment where unacceptable behaviour is easily identified, challenged, and stopped. 

It is intended this will improve employee performance, raise morale, reduce stress and absence levels and aid retention. All employees are entitled to:

• a working environment free from bullying, intimidation, harassment or victimisation
• be treated with dignity, respect and courtesy
• experience no form of unlawful discrimination
• be valued for their skills and abilities.

Policies

• #NeverOK training strategy
• University of Brighton student contract
• Student disciplinary procedure
• Student bullying, harassment and victimisation policy and procedure
• Disclosure response team procedure
• Sexual violence and misconduct policy
• Fitness to practise procedure
• Fitness to study procedure
• Equality and diversity inclusion policy
• IT regulations
• Personal relationships policy

Student and staff disclosure tools

Students

If you are being subjected to any form of harassment, discrimination, violence or abuse, please know that you do not need to suffer in silence. You can disclose an incident to us, either with your name or anonymously. Our disclosure tool is a supportive mechanism - if you include your name and contact details, our Disclosure Response Team will get in touch to help you get the support you need.

Our dedicated team is comprised of trained staff who can provide practical support, signpost you to specialist services, explain options for making a formal report or complaint, and support you with managing your safety.

Any personal information provided will remain confidential within the Student Wellbeing Service. Personal information will only be disclosed outside of the service in exceptional circumstances, such as if we are concerned for your safety or the safety of others. All personal data you provide to your Disclosure Response Advisor and via the online disclosure tool will be held securely in line with General Protection Data Regulations (GDPR) regulations and in accordance with our Retention Schedules. Anonymised data may be used for statistical and service improvement. For further information please see our Student Privacy Notice.

The Disclosure Response Team will not be able to respond directly to anonymous disclosures. However this information is important to us, and will be used to help us understand what is happening in our university community, and shape our responses and actions accordingly.

Contacting the Disclosure Response Team does not initiate a formal report or complaint to the university. If you give your name, the Disclosure Response Team can take you through your options so that you can make an informed decision.

Find out more about the type of issues you can disclose.

Contacts for making a formal report.

Staff

A staff disclosure tool is also available (log-in required) under the guidance of the Harassment Working Group, chaired by our Director of People, Julie Fryatt. If staff have been subjected to harassment, bullying, discrimination or domestic violence our trained Harassment Disclosure Response Advisors (HDRA’s) can be accessed via the disclosure tool.

The HDRA’s can offer assistance to colleagues who make a disclosure by providing a space to discuss issues and signpost to support and next steps where appropriate.

The #NeverOK Oversight Group, also chaired by our Director of People, will consider and lead on new initiatives and respond quickly to emerging issues. The scope of this group considers all forms of harassment and scenarios involving our community.

Additionally, the university has signed the non-disclosure agreement pledge from Can’t Buy My Silence, which is a campaign aimed at ending the misuse of non-disclosure agreements for those who experience sexual violence, harassment, or abuse.

How you can get involved

Support and resources

Your university support system

Your mental health and wellbeing is always our priority. We’re here for you and our expert teams are available to help.

Self-help guides

No matter what you are experiencing, we are always here to help. We have a library of self-help guides that can support you with a range of issues, including online harassment. If you are a student, you may also want to speak with your Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT).

Togetherall

You also have access to a 24/7 online community and professional support from trained counsellors through Togetherall. To join, simply go to Togetherall and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your university email address.

External organisations and specialist support services

You can access a range of services, who offer specialist support for bullying and harassment, discrimination, domestic abuse and stalking, hate incidents and hate crime, physical assault and sexual violence. You will find links to relevant organisations under the ‘what incidents can I disclose?’ section.

How to contact us

Disclosure

• Students can disclose an incident to us by completing the online disclosure form.
• Students can also speak to a trusted member of staff such as your Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT) or personal tutor. They will be able to help you complete the form or contact the Disclosure Response Team on your behalf, if you prefer.
• Staff can contact the Human Resources department, who deliver our policies, strategies, and procedures on all aspects of people management.

Formal reporting

If you are a student, and would like to make a formal report:

• in relation to student misconduct please contact studentdisciplinary@brighton.ac.uk.
• in relation to staff misconduct please contact complaints@brighton.ac.uk.

Student Wellbeing Team

• Call 01273 642895 Mon–Thurs 8.30am–5pm, Fri 8.30am–4.30pm
• Email studentservices@brighton.ac.uk

University premises

• If you are on university premises, you can call the university emergency number 01273 642222.

Emergency services

• If there is an imminent threat to your, or another person’s safety, call 999.

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