We have worked in partnership with the charity AVA (Against Violence and Abuse) and the NUS to today launch resources to support university leaders in combatting sexual misconduct, harassment and all forms of hate.
The resources include a toolkit and quick guide for vice-chancellors, which provides peer-to-peer advice based on interviews with vice chancellors who are leading the way in this area. It includes advice and insights, examples of promising practice, and practical steps senior leaders can take.
There is also an online tool, called the Impact Matrix, to help universities measure their progress and improve their approach to tackling and preventing sexual misconduct.
These resources have been produced as part of Combat Misconduct, a three-year project led by AVA in partnership with UUK and NUS, and funded by the Rosa Justice and Equality Fund. It builds on previous work from the sector, including our Changing the Culture Taskforce and publications and the Hidden Marks research by the NUS.
It is a priority for UK universities to tackle all forms of sexual misconduct, harassment and hate and there is a responsibility on our leaders to ensure everything possible is done within their institutions to address this wider societal issue. This toolkit provides an important resource in helping leaders to identify, embed and improve the strategic actions required to positively shift the dial in universities’ culture. This culture must be shaped by everyone on campus and this helpful work supports vice-chancellors to review their institutional approach and how it can be further improved both with the support of, and for the benefit of, the entire university community.
Professor Steve West
President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol
At AVA, we are delighted that funding from Rosa and our partnership with UUK and NUS has allowed us to take the lessons of our award-winning whole school approach to healthy relationships and apply them to the higher education sector. Senior leaders are at the heart of effective change, and we welcome the passion and commitment to change of the senior leaders interviewed in creating this toolkit. It is through campaigners and leaders working side by side, with different perspectives on a common goal, that we can deliver real change and make our universities a safe place for everyone, free of sexual misconduct and other forms of hate, abuse and harassment.
Donna Covey
CEO, AVA
We welcome this toolkit as a practical, necessary, and urgent resource for leaders ready to change the cultures of universities not only on their doorstep, but nationwide. This toolkit, teamed with the work of senior leaders, university staff and student activists across the country will set a new precedent for universities, student wellbeing and experience. Collectively, we can make universities a safe place for everyone, free of sexual misconduct and other forms of hate, abuse, and harassment.
Sara Khan
Vice President Liberation and Equality, NUS
