April 2020
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
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This conference will examine the next steps for tackling sexual violence and improving the HE sector’s approach to sexual harassment.
It takes place with the Office for Students consulting on its expectations for universities in tackling sexual misconduct and harassment - encompassing the policies, systems, and processes that HEIs have in place.
Sessions will looks at:
- campus culture - and how universities can develop effective prevention strategies;
- disciplinary and reporting processes - where they can be improved to support victims; and
- creating partnerships - the opportunities for putting in place coordinated, effective approaches to removing sexual harassment from universities
Delegates will consider HEI responsibilities and examples of best practice - with discussion expected on:
- improving communication by universities, which is embedded across the whole organisation;
- the approach to preventing and dealing with cases of harassment;
- ensuring that students engaged in the process have effective support; and
- putting in place adequate training for staff.
We also expect discussion on the effectiveness of current support for universities and students to tackle sexual harassment and misconduct - and the way forward for improving university performance in fostering a climate that encourages the reporting of harassment and systems that effectively deal with it.
Speakers and chair
There will be keynote contributions from:
- Amy Norton, Head of Equality and Diversity, Office for Students;
Further speakers include: Georgina Calvert-Lee, McAllister Olivarius; Dr Rachel Fenton, University of Exeter; Hannah Jones, The University of Surrey Students’ Union; Julie Norris, Kingsley Napley; Professor Graham Virgo, University of Cambridge and a senior speaker confirmed from the End Violence Against Women Coalition.
Baroness Verma, Chair, UN Women National Committee UK has kindly agreed to chair part of this seminar.
Context for discussion
- Analysis suggesting that reports of sexual assault in universities continue to rise;
- Advance HE’s Catalyst for change report finding progress, but suggesting more action from HEIs on staffing, leadership, and the allocation of resources to safeguard students;
- NUS’ recently published report Power in the academy: staff sexual misconduct in UK higher education which highlights widespread instances of sexualised behaviour from staff to students, the impact of sexual misconduct on student health and their academic engagement and the reporting rates and procedures at HEIs;
- The OfS’ call to action on training and involving students;
- Universities UK’s evaluation of progress two years on from its Changing the Culture report on gender-based violence (GBV) and how universities are addressing challenges through preventative campaigns, training, and partnerships with specialist organisations and the third sector; and
- UN Women’s outline of the guiding principles on the prevention and response of HE providers in cases of campus violence, including recommending a list of 10 ‘essential’ actions - create a policy of zero-tolerance, introduce a dedicated university coordinator, and a dedicated budget in order to create a positive environment with a focus on prevention and access to services.
The agenda
- Policy priorities for safeguarding students in HE;
- Campus culture and strategies for prevention - awareness campaigns, training and specialist staff, and tackling online harassment;
- Reviewing the disciplinary process - interactions between victims and alleged perpetrators, increasing reporting rates, and speed and transparency in dealing with incidents;
- Responding to student complaints;
- Reviewing institutional policies on staff-student relationships;
- A collaborative approach to tackling sexual violence and harassment - developing partnerships, coordinating investigations, and consistent self-assessment frameworks; and
- Next steps for improving the HE sector’s approach to sexual harassment.
Engagement with policy officials at this conference
Westminster Higher Education Forum conferences typically attract strong interest from policymakers. This seminar will be an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with officials who have reserved places representing: the Department for Education and the Government Equalities Office.
