Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Statement
The Office for Students defines sexual misconduct as all unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. Students can be subjected to sexual misconduct from other students, staff, or visitors to the College.
Reducing Sexual Misconduct and Harassment is more than a ‘tick box exercise’ at the RNCM and we are committed, at all levels of the institution to eradicating sexual misconduct through a holistic approach. This statement outlines a framework, that the RNCM has adopted to address sexual misconduct and harassment in our community:
Prevention and Education
The College prioritises sexual misconduct prevention by promoting a culture of consent, respect, and awareness-raising. Student sessions, staff training and information giving ‘campaigns’ are conducted, aligned to institutional values and expected behaviours. Policies are in place to set clear expectations on student and staff conduct.
- Student Conduct Policy and Disciplinary Procedures
- Student Charter
- Staff Disciplinary Policy
- Staff Code of Conduct
- Staff Code of Conduct (including working with Under 18s)
- Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Physical Contact Between College Staff and Students Policy
- Relationships between College Staff and Students Policy
Support Services
The Student Health and Wellbeing Hub provides support services to students who have experienced, or been accused of, sexual misconduct. This support includes confidential counselling and access to Wellbeing Advisers, who can advise on external resources like crisis centres, helplines and support groups. Our experienced Wellbeing Advisers are available to provide guidance through the reporting process.
Reporting Mechanisms
The College has implemented a ‘RNCM Raise it’ tool to ensure that those impacted by Sexual Misconduct feel comfortable coming forward. Anonymous reporting is available and designated staff members are also equipped with appropriate training to handle reports sensitively. These staff are named on our Wellbeing Hub support pages.
- To report a case of Sexual Misconduct click here: https://www.rncm.ac.uk/about/zero/rncm-raise-it/
- Speak to a Wellbeing Adviser, arrange an appointment by emailing [email protected]
- Consult the list of staff trained to receive disclosures, which can be found at on our Wellbeing Hub support pages.
Investigation and Fair Process
In cases of formally reported sexual misconduct, the College will conduct a fair, impartial, and timely investigation. Adhering to due process, sector best practice and providing equal opportunities for both the complainant and respondent to present their case, ensures fairness and transparency. The investigation of cases is completed in accordance with:
- Student Complaints Policy
- Procedure for the Handling of Sexual Misconduct Allegations
- Staff Disciplinary Policy (when the responding person is a member of staff)
- Published best practice in accordance with guidance and case studies issued by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA).
Sanctions and Accountability Measures
Sanctions are proportionate and designed to address the harm caused while encouraging reflection and behaviour change. The processes for considering discipline sanctions and outcomes can be found at:
- Student Conduct Policy and Discipline Procedures.
- Staff Disciplinary Policy (when the responding person is a member of staff)
Precautionary Action
Once formal action has commenced, either via the Police or an internal investigation, the College will take precautionary action on the basis of an assessment of risk. In the most serious cases this may include the responding party’s suspension from the building. Matters relating to the safeguarding of both parties will be considered within the risk assessment.
Engaging with Law Enforcement
In the UK sexual misconduct is unlawful. The College will support any Police investigations, ensuring that the legal system takes precedence in severe incidents, while the College procedures address violations of our Code of Conduct (staff or student).
Regular Review and Improvement
The College is committed to addressing sexual misconduct and is constantly reflecting on its approach, implementing improvements to existing policies and procedures. The College seeks feedback from those impacted in its community, advocacy groups and stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of its approach, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
Higher Education plays a critical role in addressing sexual misconduct by fostering a safe and respectful environment. The College takes a comprehensive approach, as demonstrated above, which ensures that those impacted by Sexual Misconduct are heard and perpetrators are accountable. The College considers that by prioritising safety, carefully managing risk and committing to continuous improvement, it can take significant steps towards eradicating sexual misconduct from the institution and beyond.
