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<p>There is no place in our society, including within higher education (HE), for any
form of sexual harassment or violence. HE providers have clear responsibilities, including
under the Equality Act (2010), and should have robust policies and procedures in place
to comply with the law to investigate and swiftly address reports of sexual misconduct.</p><p>All
students should be able to thrive in HE, free from barriers to both their academic
and personal development. The government expects providers to address barriers preventing
students from having a positive experience, and to ensure they have appropriate support
in place.</p><p>The government is working closely with Universities UK (UUK) and the
Office for Students to support work to address sexual harassment in HE, including
implementing the recommendations of the UUK Taskforce on sexual violence and harassment,
published in 2016.</p><p>Since these recommendations were published, further guidance
has been published on sexual misconduct in HE. This includes the Pinsent Masons guidelines
on how to handle student misconduct which may constitute a criminal offence, and separate
briefings from the Office for the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education on
handling disciplinary procedures relating to sexual misconduct.</p><p>HE providers
are autonomous institutions who have a duty of care to students, which includes all
aspects of safeguarding and wellbeing. This is taken very seriously by providers.
Providers will make decisions based on the needs of their student body, for example
including support services for students facing issues relating to sexual violence
and harassment. The UUK Taskforce clearly set out the need for providers to have clear
care pathways and make it clear where students should be referred to within the university
to access appropriate support.</p>
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