Our approach to dignity and respect

The Student Harassment and Bullying Policy and Procedure details information on what to do and advice on how to respond.

A network of trained Student Harassment Advisors support students who believe they are being bullied or harassed by other students. Our Welfare Advisors can offer facilitated meetings between the parties to try and reach a resolution. These meetings are an opportunity to discuss the issue and aim to find an agreed solution to the problem for all concerned.

Students who have concerns about a member of staff should use the student complaints procedure.

Student harassment and bullying policy

Student complaints procedure

York St John University and York St John University Students’ Union have signed a joint policy statement on sexual misconduct and domestic abuse, strengthening our zero tolerance approach to incidents of this nature.

Sexual Violence Policy Statement June 2018.pdf (0.3 MB)

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature. It occurs when someone behaves in a way which makes you feel distressed, intimidated or offended and the behaviour is of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Sexual harassment is not okay and has no place in our community. If you have experienced sexual harassment, or other forms of sexual abuse or violence, now or in the past, please report it or seek support.

On our Report and Support website you can report any incidents you have experienced or witnessed either anonymously or to a welfare adviser who can offer further support.

York is one of the safer student cities in the UK, but hate crime happens, as it does in all parts of the country. In rare cases, students and staff might meet people who use discriminatory words or actions against them because they have (or are perceived to have) a particular identity.

Any allegation of hate incidents against a student or staff is likely to invoke disciplinary procedures, unless reported anonymously. If you have experienced or witnessed an anti-religious incident, biphobia, a hate incident against disabled people, homophobia, misogyny, racism or transphobia, please report it or seek support.

On our Report and support website you can report any incidents you have experienced or witnesses either anonymously or to a welfare adviser who can offer further support.

Watch the Hate Hurts video on YouTube.

The Crown Prosecution Office has defined a hate crime as any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. An act which is not an offence may still be treated as a hate incident. It does not matter whether the victim actually belongs to the group at which the hostility is targeted. Incitement to racial hatred and incitement to religious hatred are criminal offences.

North Yorkshire Police considers misogyny to be a hate crime. 

On 9 July 2019, the Executive Board agreed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism:

"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities." 

The IHRA has provided examples of antisemitism (external link to IHRA website).

The Dignity at Work Policy sets out the rights and responsibilities of our staff to act with respect and consideration to others at work. The Dignity at Work Procedure sets out the approach to be taken when dealing with concerns or complaints of harassment, bullying or inappropriate behaviour raised by members of staff.

Staff may speak to their line manager, Head of School, a member of the Human Resources Department or a Trade Union Representative. In addition, staff may also access counselling services through the Employee Assistance Programme.

The University recognises that making the decision to raise concerns can be difficult. Members of the Dignity and Respect Network are trained volunteers, who are there to listen, and to offer confidential support. They are an impartial first point of contact to discuss your concerns.

Further information is available on the Staff Intranet:

Dignity at Work Policy & Procedure

Dignity and Respect Network