that student contracts between UK universities and their undergraduate
students could be used to reinforce expected behaviours from the outset.
The Taskforce recommends that universities should:
-
ensure that partnership agreements between the students and the university
highlight up front the behaviours that are expected from all students as part of
the university community. The agreement should also set out the disciplinary
sanctions a student could face if they fail to meet these behavioural
obligations. The university’s commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing
of students should also be clearly set out, reflecting that both the institution
and the student have obligations.
-
embed a zero-tolerance approach across all institutional activities including
outreach activities with schools and further education colleges, engagement
with local bars and nightclubs, student inductions (including international
student inductions), and student information. This should be given high
visibility and be reaffirmed at regular intervals.
-
take meaningful steps to embed into their human resources processes (such as
contracts, training, inductions) measures to ensure staff understand the
importance of fostering a zero-tolerance culture and are empowered to take
responsibility for this.
ENABLING AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE
Clearly signposted, visible and robust disclosure and reporting
mechanisms
102. The Taskforce also determined that having clearly signposted, visible and robust
reporting mechanisms is vital to an effective response. There are extremely
complex issues and emotions involved in the disclosure of any of the types of
incidents considered by the Taskforce but particularly sexual violence. These
factors will also vary from person to person. It is therefore crucial that
institutions have clearly signposted, visible and robust reporting mechanisms
which support students appropriately throughout. Ideally different reporting
options should be available, including the ability to make an anonymous report.
103. Any option to report anonymously should be accompanied with clear
information on the extent to which an institution can investigate such reports.
This may prove challenging as university action may be more difficult without
independent witnesses/evidence, as there is likely to be insufficient evidence to
proceed. Providing clarity on what action the university can take in relation to
different types of report will help to manage expectations.
104. Providing varied and visible reporting options should help to address the
barriers to reporting highlighted in the evidence. For example, research from
Stonewall suggests that LGBT+ people can feel that incidents are not serious
enough to report. This has also been raised by a number of stakeholders in
36