We reviewed progress universities made on tackling sexual misconduct, hate crime and harasment affecting university students, one and two years after we published Changing the culture.
One year on (2018)
We found universities were making progress in tackling student sexual misconduct, but more must be done.
The research involved interviews and group discussions with over 100 senior sponsors, and 20 higher education providers, chosen to reflect the key characteristics of the broader sector.
Our findings
- Success in the sector is significant, but variable.
- Active senior leadership is vital in how far institutions can progress.
- There has been an increase in disclosures in the past year, a positive indication of cultural change.
- The scale of HEFCE's Catalyst safeguarding funding of £2.45m has accelerated and supported change across England's higher education sector
- Institutions report barriers to progress in areas including sustainable funding for resources, training for students and staff across larger institutions and maintaining a consistent approach across the sector
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Two years on (2019)
We found individual institutions made encouraging progress – particularly in tackling gender-based-violence – with common activities including increased training for staff, preventative campaigns and development of partnerships with third sector and specialist organisations.