Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
This page is the University of Salford’s single source of published information about harassment and sexual misconduct affecting students. It explains what harassment and sexual misconduct mean, how to report a concern, what support is available, how the University may respond, and where to find the relevant policies, procedures and reporting routes.
We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students, colleagues and visitors. Abuse, harassment and prejudice are never OK. Everyone in our University community has a role in treating others with dignity and respect, understanding consent, and challenging behaviours that may amount to harassment or sexual misconduct. Students are encouraged to visit the consent guidance page to understand what consent means, how it applies in different situations, and where to find support if they are unsure or affected by someone else’s behaviour.
Who this page is for
This page is for current students, applicants and prospective students, apprentices, placement students, partner students, distance learners, international students, postgraduate taught and research students, witnesses, supporters, third-party reporters and staff who receive disclosures or support students.
It applies to concerns involving students, staff or others where the concern affects a student, whether the incident happened on campus, away from campus, online, on placement, in accommodation, during study abroad or through partner-delivered provision.
If a student discloses harassment or sexual misconduct to you
If a student tells you about an experience of harassment or sexual misconduct, you do not need to investigate the concern yourself. Your role is to listen, respond appropriately, explain available reporting and support options, and seek advice where required. Guidance is available through Report It, the University's safeguarding arrangements and relevant staff guidance
If you are not sure what to do
If something has happened to you, you can ask for support before deciding whether to make a formal report.
If you witnessed something or someone has told you about a concern, you can share information and ask for advice.
If a report has been made about you, you will receive information about the process, expected standards, available support and how to respond.
If you are worried about a staff–student relationship, conflict of interest or abuse of power, you can seek advice without having to raise it directly with the person involved.
What do we mean by harassment and sexual misconduct?
At the University of Salford, harassment and sexual misconduct include behaviour that may violate our Student Code of Conduct, as well as the policies and procedures identified further down this page. These behaviours may happen in person, in writing, online, on social media, on campus, away from campus, on placement or in other University-related settings.
Harassment
Harassment includes unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. It can also include a course of conduct amounting to harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. It also includes less favourable treatment because a person submitted to or rejected sexual harassment, or harassment related to sex or gender reassignment.
Sexual misconduct
Sexual misconduct means unwanted or attempted unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. It includes sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape. It can also include exploitation, abuse of power or trust in sexual situations, and other sexual behaviour that breaches University rules or the law. It may be criminal or non-criminal and may occur in academic, professional, social or personal contexts.
Examples of behaviours
Examples include unwanted sexual comments, intrusive questions, repeated unwanted contact, stalking, unwanted touching, sexual assault or rape, coercion, image-based abuse, online harassment, discriminatory remarks, bullying linked to a protected characteristic, grooming, exploitation or abuse of power. This list is not exhaustive; each case will be considered in context and under the relevant policy or procedure.
Any finding made through a University process is an internal decision under University rules. It is not a legal ruling on whether a criminal offence has taken place.
Harassment and sexual misconduct online
Harassment and sexual misconduct can occur online as well as in person. This may include conduct through social media, messaging platforms, email, image-sharing platforms, virtual learning environments or other digital services. The same standards of behaviour apply regardless of where conduct occurs.
Reporting sexual harassment or misconduct
We encourage anyone who experiences, witnesses or becomes aware of harassment or sexual misconduct affecting a student to use Report It, our secure online reporting platform. You can report anonymously or provide contact details if you would like follow-up, support or to discuss possible next steps.
How we act on reports and allegations and approach them fairly
We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone. That’s why any report of sexual harassment or misconduct is handled sensitively and taken very seriously.
As well as the actions outlined below, we produce anonymised reports based on information gathered from Report It submissions, which are used to identify trends in the types of cases that are being reported to us, as well as the location and number of incidents. This helps us to effectively plan the support required and use our resources most efficiently. One example of this is that we can use this data to develop communication campaigns to improve our community’s knowledge about identified issues.
How we handle information
Information shared through Report It will be handled sensitively and only shared where this is needed for support, safeguarding, risk management, investigation, decision-making or another lawful purpose.
We will not usually share the details of a report with anyone else without consent, unless we are worried about an individual’s safety or there are safeguarding, security or campus safety concerns. Where possible, we will try to discuss this with the person who made the report first.
We cannot promise absolute confidentiality, but we will explain, where possible, who may need to receive information and why.
Anonymous reports help us understand patterns, inform prevention work and consider wider risks, but may limit what action can be taken in an individual case.
We will only keep information contained in a report for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, in line with data protection requirements, retention arrangements and University policy.
Submitting information through Report It is not the same as making an official complaint. If a student or staff member wants to make a formal report or complaint to the University, they can decide when they want to do this with support from the team member looking after their case.
What happens when a report is made
Reports submitted by a student
When a report is submitted by a student about another student or staff member, an advisor will be assigned to the case and will contact the student making the report (referred to here as the ‘Reporter’) via email to arrange an appointment to discuss next steps.
To ensure the Reporter gets the right support, we will always try to link them with an advisor who has experience in the issue they are reporting.
Any actions following a report will depend on what the Reporter has experienced and whether they wish to take any further action. If they wish to pursue action after their report, they will be fully supported by the advisor assigned to their case. Reporters can also choose not to pursue any action, or to pursue this later. However, there are some limitations if action is pursued later (for example, details may become less clear as time passes). Advisors will share this information with Reporters as required to ensure they fully understand their options.
While reports are confidential, we have a duty of care for students and staff and may have to break confidentiality if there is a safeguarding concern, or if there is a concern relating to a student’s Fitness to Practise related to the course they are studying. This includes if a Reporter withdraws from the process at any time.
In cases where Student Misconduct might have occurred, the report is reviewed by the University’s Student Case Management Group and may be referred to investigation. This process may include the investigator meeting with the Respondent (the person who has been alleged to have broken the Student Code of Conduct), gathering accounts from any witnesses and reviewing relevant evidence in relation to the allegation(s).
During this process, the Reporter is provided with regular updates and support by their assigned advisor.
Any actions as a result of the investigation depends on the nature of the report, however the University may proceed with formal action through the Student Misconduct Procedure or Fitness to Practise Procedure.
Reports submitted by a staff member
Reports submitted to Report It by University staff members where a reported/responding individual is a student follows the same process as above. However, staff members will be advised to receive support through HR / their line manager rather than through our student support services.
Reports submitted to Report It by University staff members about themselves or other colleagues that don’t involve students are handled by our Human Resources (HR) team who will look at the best approach in line with our staff policies and will reach out to advise the Reporter of possible next steps. Staff members can also speak to the HR team directly by submitting a help desk request through the University's HR system, Oracle.
Reports submitted anonymously
If a report is submitted anonymously, our team is not able to reach out and provide support directly. No action against a particular member of staff or student will be taken unless it is possible to verify the matter reported.
However, we still encourage anonymous reports as they can highlight potential issues and enable us to identify any trends for which we can create a plan of action. For example, we encourage staff to report on behalf of students who have disclosed to them (but who have indicated that they do not want support from our teams or to be identified). Capturing this data helps shape proactive activity to change our community’s behaviour, encourage more active bystanders and generally improve understanding of these issues – ultimately leading to prevention.
Sharing information from reports
We will not share the details of a report with anyone else without consent, unless we are worried about an individual’s safety or we have safeguarding, security or campus safety concerns. We will always try to discuss this with the person who made the report first.
We will only keep information contained in a report for as long as is necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it has been collected.
Submissions to Report It are not official complaints. However, if a student or staff member want to make a report 'officially’ to the University, they can decide when they want to do this with the full support from the member of the team looking after their case.
How we approach investigations fairly
While we have a summary below about how we approach investigations fairly, you can find the full details on our Student Misconduct investigations webpage.
We undertake regular reviews of and updates to the misconduct investigation process as part of our ongoing commitment to continual enhancement and improvement of our working practices. We do this to ensure the University is aligned with and adopts best practices and evolving standards.
Our approach to investigations
Investigating misconduct
When the University receives a report of alleged misconduct by a student from any reporter, the Student Cases Management Group initially assesses the report to determine whether it warrants a full investigation under the Student Misconduct Policy and Procedure. The initial assessment centres on the credibility, relevance and seriousness of the allegations.
In some instances it may be necessary for information to be gathered to inform the decision-making process, which is when an independent investigator is appointed to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation. Wherever possible, the investigator appointed will have no connection to the reporting student’s school or location of where the alleged incident took place.
All investigators are provided with comprehensive training that covers:
- The investigation process from the initial report to the final outcome, including case studies demonstrating investigations in practice
- Relevant policies and procedures, including our Code of Conduct
- Approaching investigations and investigation interviews where support considerations are required (i.e. making accommodations for disabilities)
- Adopting a trauma-informed approach to investigations
- Self-care strategies for supporting others through trauma
All staff members are required to act in line with University HR policies, including the Dignity at Work and Study Policy. This continues to apply throughout the Student Misconduct investigation process.
The principles of confidentiality and objectivity are central to the investigation process and all information and evidence gathered is handled with the utmost integrity. Involved parties are also provided with an opportunity to raise any concerns about investigators during our processes.
Respondents are provided with an overview of the allegations which have been made, the process and their rights throughout the process, and the potential consequences. Respondents are also offered and signposted to wellbeing support through the University and advice through the Students’ Union as appropriate.
Once the investigator has concluded their investigation, they compile a report detailing their findings. They do not determine whether misconduct has occurred: their role is to gather all the necessary information for the case to be reviewed by an independent Student Misconduct Reviewer, who will determine whether there is a case to answer.
Following the conclusion of any student misconduct hearings, any party involved with the process can use the appeals process to highlight their dissatisfaction with the investigation outcome. Any appeal will be reviewed by an independent member of the University, ensuring the grounds for appeal are thoroughly considered.
You can find out more about how we approach investigations fairly on our Student Misconduct Investigations webpage.
Non-disclosure agreements and speaking about experiences
The University of Salford is committed to transparency, accountability and the fair treatment of everyone in our community. We are a signatory of the Can’t Buy My Silence pledge and will not use, support or require non-disclosure agreements, or contractual terms that have a similar effect, to prevent students from speaking about allegations of harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, bullying or other misconduct.
Freedom of speech and academic freedom
The University will apply its approach to harassment and sexual misconduct in a way that is consistent with freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom.
Higher education includes the discussion and exploration of a wide range of ideas, views and course content. Exposure to lawful course materials, teaching, research or discussion connected with a higher education course will not, on its own, normally be treated as harassment.
We will consider the context and the relevant policy or procedure carefully, while continuing to offer support to students who are affected by an experience or concern.
You can learn more about how we act on reports of sexual misconduct or harassment including the actions the University can take and what to expect from an investigation in our Report It FAQs and on our Student Misconduct investigations webpage.
Supporting our community
We retain an impartial position and have a duty of care to all our students, irrespective of whether they are a reporting or responding student.
Support during investigations
Keeping informed
Throughout the reporting and investigation process, the Reporter is supported by their assigned advisor and is also signposted to our Wellbeing and Counselling services and offered support with making an appointment. Reporters’ advisors will ask for updates on their case from the Conduct Officer when required and liaise with the Reporter.
Throughout the investigation process, Respondents are also signposted to our Wellbeing and Counselling services and appropriate Students’ Union services (such as the Advice Centre) and kept informed about the investigation by either the Student Conduct Officer or investigator dependent on the context and update.
Reporter and Respondent proximity
At times it may be necessary for us to take action to safeguard all parties involved which may require decisions being made to ensure parties do not come into contact with each other. In such instances, precautionary measures may be put in place whilst an investigation is taking place. Sometimes it may be necessary for one of the parties involved to be temporarily suspended from areas of the campus or the campus itself. Any measures taken in this regard are not an indication of inferred guilt but to ensure both parties are safeguarded during the process.
An example where this approach may be taken is when both the reporter and respondent are in the same tutor group for a course with lots of practical activity or in-person attendance required. We ensure students can continue with their studies wherever possible. Any arrangements put in place will be monitored and students are able to request a review in specific circumstances, for example, where access learning materials to support study may be challenging.
Assessments
If an incident of sexual misconduct or harassment has affected students’ ability to study or complete assessments, they could be entitled to use the University’s Exceptional Circumstances procedure (formerly known as Personal Mitigating Circumstances or PMC procedure) and may be granted a replacement assessment attempt or a removal of the capped mark on a late submission. Evidence is provided by the advisor to support the student’s application.
Mental health and wellbeing support
Incidents of sexual harassment and misconduct can have a huge impact on the mental health of those involved, including witnesses.
For students, we provide:
- Wellbeing and Counselling services delivered by trained advisors and counsellors
- Free and confidential counselling through the HealthHero phone line that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Self-help guidance and advice online
To support staff members, we have over 60 trained mental health first aiders across the University who are advocates and ambassadors for mental health in the workplace and play an important role in shaping, delivering, embedding, and communicating positive wellbeing initiatives. Each mental health first aider has undertaken a two-day training workshop delivered by Mental Health First Aid England and receives a resource pack, alongside ongoing refresher training sessions. We also provide comprehensive mental health support for staff through the CareFirst helpline 24/7 on 0808 168 2143.
Staff responsibilities and training
Safeguarding and Designated Safeguarding Officers
As outlined in our Safeguarding policy, all University staff members are responsible for treating safeguarding issues as an absolute priority and to report any concerns they may have. The University ensures all colleagues are fully informed of their responsibilities during colleague onboarding and as part of the University training refresh schedule protocols and guidance.
We have also appointed Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs) to work across the different departments within the University to protect individuals at risk from abuse including sexual harassment and misconduct. DSOs have a higher level of Safeguarding training and offer advice, guidance and support to staff members to promote a safe environment for all our students and colleagues to work and study in. Visit our Safeguarding webpage to learn more about the responsibility of DSOs.
eLearning modules
The Dignity at Work and Safeguarding e-learning modules are mandatory for all staff and outline the legal context and what our individual and organisational responsibilities are. They include information on how to create an inclusive environment that is free from bullying or harassing behaviours and what to do should an incident occur. A voluntary module that focuses on sexual harassment and how our University responds to this behaviour can also be taken by all staff members.
Voluntary training
Voluntary training is made available upon request for staff members that are likely to receive and handle reports from students within our community. This training ensures colleagues are informed how to handle disclosures of sexual harassment and misconduct and the support available to both the Reporter and Respondent.
Staff members have also undertaken training from Victim Support, an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents and we have been named the first ‘Victim friendly university’. The eLearning and training programmes delivered ensure staff are informed and able to create safer, more inclusive environments for students and staff members. Interested staff members can find more information on the Staff Hub or contact report-it@salford.ac.uk for more information.
Safeguarding and educating our community
To protect Salford students, staff members and visitors from sexual harassment and misconduct, we have put in place a number of policies, training sessions and learning opportunities. These work to ensure that everyone in our community is informed about these behaviours and is aware of the support available to them if they experience or witness an incident.
Policies and procedures
The policies and procedures below explain the standards expected across our University community, how concerns may be considered, and the reporting, support, review or appeal options that may be available.
Different policies may apply depending on what has happened, who is involved, and whether the concern relates to student conduct, staff conduct, safeguarding, professional suitability, personal relationships, complaints or information handling.
The relevant policies and procedures are set out below.
Policies and procedures
Student Charter and Code of Conduct
The Student Charter applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as to members of staff at the University of Salford. The Charter outlines our mutual commitments and expectations to ensure a safe learning environment for all. Included in the Student Charter is the expectation that all members of the University community will be treated fairly and respectfully, and are aware of and comply with the Student Code of Conduct.
Harassment and performing sexual acts without consent are outlined within the Student Code of Conduct as unacceptable and not meeting the expected standards. By not meeting these standards, the University has the right to impose sanctions including suspension, withdrawal of a past award or academic credit or expulsion. For more information about acceptable behaviour and expectations, visit our student-facing policies and procedures webpage.
Fitness to Practise Procedure
Some students who are on a specific programme leading to membership of, or potential entry to, their chosen profession and Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies must also comply with the University’s Fitness to Practise Procedure. Behaviours identified in the Procedure as constituting professional misconduct include sexual abuse and the failure to keep appropriate professional and sexual boundaries, and sanctions may be applied in cases where allegations are established.
Safeguarding Policy
A child, young person under the age of 18 or adult in a vulnerable situation are subject to our Safeguarding policy. As outlined in this policy, in instances of alleged sexual misconduct, the appropriate safeguarding leads will be informed about the case as part of the investigation process and may seek advice from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the appropriate Adult Safeguarding Team. You can find out more about this policy and the support provided to children, young people under the age of 18 or adults in a vulnerable situation below.
Personal Relationships Policy
We recognise the inherent imbalance of power between many colleagues and students and have a Personal Relationships Policy. The University prohibits intimate personal relationships between colleagues and students where:
- The student is under the age of 18 or a vulnerable adult (as defined in the University’s Safeguarding Policy), as such relationships may be unlawful; or
- The colleague has a direct professional colleague/student relationship with the student and the relationship is not an excluded relationship (please see the definitions in the Personal Relationships Policy for more information). We believe that such relationships give rise to an actual or potential conflict of interest and/or abuse of power.
Any colleague who is in an intimate personal colleague/student relationship, and who is unclear whether it may be a prohibited relationship, may seek guidance on the matter from the Human Resources team.
Dignity at Work and Study Policy
We believe that every student has the right to study and be taught in an environment that is supportive and free from harassment, bullying and victimisation. We also believe that every member of staff has the right to work in a supportive environment free from such behaviour. Our Dignity at Work and Study Policy outlines behaviour that we will not tolerate and how we aim to eliminate this behaviour e.g., through raising awareness, providing reporting mechanisms – and promoting a climate that encourages reporting, and taking action through appropriate procedures. This Policy also applies to visitors and third parties and people working for the University who aren’t directly employed by the University.
Staff Disciplinary Policy
Our Disciplinary Policy clarifies how issues of colleague misconduct, including sexual harassment are addressed in a fair and consistent manner.
Intimate personal relationships between relevant staff and students
Relationships between staff members and students can create conflicts of interest and risks of abuse of power, particularly where a staff member has academic, supervisory, assessment, placement, welfare or other professional responsibility for the student.
The University’s Personal Relationships Policy sets out the requirements used to protect students and manage conflicts of interest. If you are concerned about a staff–student relationship, a conflict of interest, or a possible abuse of power, you can seek advice and support. The University will explain how concerns can be raised safely, how responsibilities may be reassigned or managed where needed, and what may happen if the policy is not followed.
Student Misconduct Procedure
The Student Misconduct Procedure explains how concerns about student behaviour may be assessed, investigated and decided, including possible outcomes and any review or appeal routes.
Data protection and privacy information
Data protection and privacy information explains how personal information may be used, shared, retained and protected when a concern is reported or support is provided.
Complaints, review and appeal routes
Complaints, review and appeal routes explain how students can raise concerns about a process, request a review or appeal a decision where this is available under the relevant procedure.
Understanding consent and bystander training
Consent
We all have a responsibility to make sure we understand and practice consent and understand what constitutes sexual misconduct to keep everyone in our community safe and supported. That’s why we make information regarding sexual consent and acceptable behaviours available on our website and share them with our community on a regular basis.
To ensure every student understands consent, we have created a free module called 'Consent for students'. This isn't mandatory but we strongly encourage students to complete it to make sure they are confident on consent to help prevent sexual misconduct from taking place.
Active bystander training
Our active bystander training for students will be released in early Trimester 1 2025. Stand Up and Step In teaches students how to identify and respond to harassment and sexual misconduct using Brook’s 5Ds model: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay and Disapprove. Co-produced with diverse young people, the training empowers students to intervene safely - especially in peer situations that may seem like ‘banter’. 'Disapprove' offers language to challenge early signs of misconduct, helping prevent escalation.
Designed for diverse student populations, the course explores how harassment intersects with identity. It encourages respectful expression while recognising the harm certain behaviours may cause, and it balances free speech with the need to challenge discrimination, promoting empathy, inclusion and proactive intervention.
The course will be available on the ‘Our Community and Culture’ section of Blackboard alongside our sexual consent training.
Awareness events and activities
Throughout the year, our teams work to tackle unacceptable behaviours and raise awareness of the support available by organising activities that students and staff members can learn from and take part in. Below, you can explore some of the past events and activities that have taken place.
Preventing harassment and sexual misconduct
The University uses policy, education, training, reporting data, awareness activity and governance review to prevent harassment and sexual misconduct and improve how concerns are responded to.
Students are required to complete consent and active bystander training as part of the University’s approach to preventing harassment and sexual misconduct. Staff training supports colleagues to respond appropriately to disclosures, support students, follow fair processes, manage information carefully and understand relevant safeguarding, freedom of speech and academic freedom considerations.
The University will use Report It trends, student and staff feedback, case learning, Students’ Union engagement, training evaluation and governance reporting to inform prevention activity and improve practice.
Everyone's Invited talk
For Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2024, Everyone’s Invited delivered a talk on rape culture. They explained how rape culture exists in society, the factors that contribute to it, and how we can all challenge this culture.
White Ribbon accreditation
In August 2022 we received our White Ribbon Accreditation, after making a firm commitment to ending men’s violence and abuse against women.
Gender-Based Steering Group
Colleagues from across the University look at how we are responding to gender based violence in this group. The Group focus over the past 12 months has been around assessing how we prevent and respond to sexual harassment and misconduct.
Further advice and information
It’s important that everyone in our community understands what to do if they are experiencing unacceptable behaviour and what support is available from the University, as well as local authorities and organisations. Information is available on our website about a range of topics including bullying and harassment, domestic abuse, sexual assault and sexual misconduct and we share advice and information throughout the year to both students and staff members.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to make a formal complaint to get support?
No. You can ask for support, advice or a conversation about your options without making a formal complaint. You do not need to decide everything straight away.
Can I report anonymously?
Yes. Anonymous reports help the University understand patterns, improve prevention work and consider wider risks. However, if you do not provide contact details, we may not be able to contact you, offer direct support or take action about a specific incident.
What happens after I submit a Report It form?
If you provide contact details, the University will usually acknowledge your report, consider any immediate safety or wellbeing needs, explain support options and talk through what could happen next.
Will the person I report be told?
Not automatically if you are seeking support or advice. If a formal process goes ahead, or if action is needed to manage safety or safeguarding concerns, relevant information may need to be shared so the process is fair and risks can be managed. Where possible, the University will explain what information may need to be shared and why.
Can I go to the police as well as the University?
Yes. You can report to the police, the University, both or neither. University processes are separate from criminal processes, and staff can help explain support options whatever you decide.
What if a report has been made about me?
If a report has been made about you, you will be given information about the process, the standards of behaviour expected within our University community, the support available to you, and how you can respond. Support is available without prejudging the outcome of any report or process.
What are precautionary or protective measures?
These are temporary arrangements used to support safety, wellbeing or continued study while information is assessed or a process is ongoing. They are neutral and are not a finding that a report has been proven.
Can I get support if something happened off campus, online, on placement or in accommodation?
Yes. You can contact the University for support and advice where harassment or sexual misconduct affects a student, including where something happened away from campus, online, on placement, in accommodation, during study abroad or through partner-delivered provision.
What if I am worried about a staff–student relationship, conflict of interest or abuse of power?
You can seek advice and support. You do not have to raise the concern directly with the person involved. The University will explain what options are available and how concerns can be raised safely.
What if I need an adjustment or support to take part in a process?
Please tell the University as early as possible. We can discuss support needs, accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments so you can take part in the process as fully and fairly as possible.
Will I be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement?
No. The University will not use NDAs, or similar terms, to stop students speaking about allegations of harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, bullying or other misconduct.
How long does the process take?
Timescales vary depending on the circumstances, the information available, risk or safeguarding considerations, and whether another process, such as a police investigation, is also taking place. Where possible, the University will keep you informed about likely timescales and next steps.