Beyond sexual misconduct, university mishandling and student misery

This month's ProtectED Reflections event will be a panel discussion exploring universities' handling of sexual misconduct incidents. The panel will examine what can go wrong and why; how universities can better deal with the difficult issue of harassment and sexual assault; and what action institutions can take to reduce the number of incidents arising.

Student safety and wellbeing is recognised as a key driver for student recruitment and retention — particularly international students. However, media reports have highlighted problems with the way some universities currently deal with complaints of sexual misconduct. Indeed, research by the 1752 Group suggests that universities' response to sexual misconduct often involves HEIs “making it up as they go along”.

Too many UK universities lack specific procedures for addressing student complaints around sexual misconduct — particularly when the alleged perpetrator is a member of staff. It is clear that change is urgently needed to improve standards of practice in this area and prevent further student misery.

We are very pleased to welcome our panel members for this event:

• Dr Anna Bull, a founding member of The 1752 Group and a senior lecturer in sociology at the University of Portsmouth. Anna is co-author with McAllister Olivarius of the publication "Sector Guidance to Address Staff Sexual Misconduct in UK Higher Education" (available here)
• Georgina Calvert-Lee, Head of UK Practice and Senior Counsel at McAllister Olivarius. Georgina has spoken in the media and at a number of HE conferences about universities’ handling of sexual misconduct complaints, and was co-author with the 1752 Group of guidance for the HE sector on this issue (see above). Georgina is also a member of the ProtectED Advisory Board.
• Nky, Co-founder of Reclaim the Campus, a student- and survivor-led campaign around issues of sexual harassment and violence in Higher Education. 
• Josie Hart, Co-founder of Reclaim the Campus, a student- and survivor-led campaign around issues of sexual harassment and violence in Higher Education.

Caroline will discuss with the panel their experience of both good and poor practice in this area, and explore what changes in institutional policies, processes and practices the panel believe universities need to be put in place.

We look forward to you joining us.