Policies and documents
Our approach to dignity and respect
The social and cultural diversity that everyone brings to our community is of immense value to us.
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The University is committed to social justice, fairness and providing an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
We aim to ensure that all our students and staff can reach their full potential in a diverse and supportive community.
Everyone at the University has a right to dignity and respect, and a responsibility to uphold it. All forms of misconduct are unacceptable.
On this page:
- Roles and responsibilities
- Policies and procedures
- Preventing and addressing inappropriate behaviour
- Support and advice
Roles and responsibilities
Everyone, including staff, students, contractors and visitors, is responsible for:
- Acting appropriately in person and online.
- Treating others with respect in line with this policy.
- Engaging fairly with procedures when concerns or reports are raised.
- Completing their mandatory training.
- Understanding and following this policy.
- Oversee the University's approach to student misconduct to ensure that it makes significant and credible difference to protecting students.
- Ensures the University continues to secure freedom of speech.
- Champion freedom of speech.
- Oppose inappropriate student and staff behaviours.
- Ensure effective procedures are in place to handle reports.
- Listen to feedback and take transparent actions where possible to support continuous improvement.
- Understand and apply this policy to help staff and students to resolve problematic behaviour.
- Assist with investigations when needed.
- Communicate openly and honestly and share information, where they are able to.
- Act when they experience or witness inappropriate behaviour (by seeking support and reporting incidents).
- Take responsibility for addressing issues and seeking guidance.
- Complete their mandatory training.
Policies and procedures
Definitions
A list of the definitions of words and phrases used in our policies and procedures.
Student Behaviour and Disciplinary Policy
Our expectations of student behaviour and how reports of breaches will be handled, including descriptions of inappropriate behaviour, reporting procedures, and support resources. This policy addresses sexual harassment and misconduct and may be distressing to read.
Staff Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy
Our policy and procedure relating to staff sexual misconduct towards students, including how to make reports, how reports are handled, and potential outcomes.
Intimate and Close Personal Relationships Policy
The expectations and obligations of University employees, agency workers and contractors, associates and others working for the University in the UK and abroad, with respect to personal relationships between students and staff and between colleagues.
Preventing and addressing inappropriate behaviour
Examples of inappropriate behaviour
Misconduct may occur in person or through electronic means. It may involve actions that disrupt the University's operations, harm individuals or groups, or damage the University's reputation. Lack of intent or not knowing it is an act of misconduct is not a defence. Our list of examples illustrates forms of misconduct but are not exhaustive.
Reporting inappropriate behaviour
Anyone can report inappropriate behaviour whether they have experienced it themselves, witnessed it, or are reporting on behalf of someone else. Find out more about how and where to report an incident.
Training and prevention
The University and Students' Union emphasise zero tolerance for student misconduct through regular awareness raising and participation in national campaigns. Consent training, including active bystander training, is mandatory for all new students and staff. Opt-outs are available for individuals who have experienced or witnessed sexual violence.
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Support and advice
The University understands that unacceptable behaviour can significantly impact mental health, self-esteem, sense of belonging and academic outcomes. We are here to help.
If you need support, don't hesitate to reach out, even if the incident happened outside the University or even if you don't want the University to investigate what has happened.
The drop-down below is not an exhaustive list but highlights key resources available to students.
Support contacts
Getting immediate help
- In emergencies or immediate danger please call 999.
- If you are on our York campus at Lord Mayor's Walk or Haxby Road please notify University Security.
- If you are at our London campus, notify reception within the Export Building.
Reporting
You can report concerns through our Report and Support platform.
This provides resources and allows you to disclose incidents anonymously or with your details. If you have left contact details, please note that standard response time to your report is 3 to 5 working days.
Wellbeing and welfare support
- Wellbeing support: You can access free mental health and wellbeing support from our mental health practitioners and counselling staff. Support can be accessed by making a self-referral or attending the daily drop-in sessions. Details can be found on the Student Hub online portal.
- Welfare support: The Welfare team can assist with practical support and guidance, including making referrals to external support, including the National Health Service (NHS), hate crime reporting centres, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). Welfare Advisers can talk with you about reporting options and what to expect from University investigations.
- For students studying at our London Campus, services are available remotely. You can also email london@yorksj.ac.uk to connect with a member of the Student Support and Guidance team on the London campus.
Tailored support
- Information about assistance for students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or specific learning difficulties can be found on our Disability support pages.
- The International team provides tailored guidance for international students.
- Support services specific to LGBTQ+ needs are available. More information can be found on our specialist support page.
- Specialist staff, such as Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) are available to help students who have experienced sexual misconduct.
- The Student Assistance Programme, Spectrum Life offers support through a free 24-hour confidential helpline and digital resource.
- Ongoing pastoral support is available through our Chaplaincy team to those with and without a faith. Find out more on our Religion and spirituality pages.
Academic and accommodation support
- During disciplinary investigations, academic adjustments (for example, deadline extensions or changes to schedules) may be possible. You can email the Casework team at casework@yorksj.ac.uk for help.
- Emergency accommodation may be available for students feeling unsafe. Please note there may be financial implications associated with this. Students can seek advice on any financial implications from the Funding Advice team.
Students Union (SU)
The SU offers advice and support through its Presidents and Advice Service. They can be contacted at su.advice@yorksj.ac.uk or found in person in the SU building on our York campus.
York-based services
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): For forensic medical examinations and other services for anyone aged 16 and over. Acer House and is based in Poppleton and the services are available, whether or not the assault has been reported to the police.
- ACER House SARC website
- Phone: 0330 223 0099 (24-hour helpline)
Survive: A York-based charity supporting survivors of sexual assault or abuse with counselling and support groups.
Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS): Provides emotional and practical support for survivors of domestic abuse, including housing and legal advice.
- IDAS website
- Phone: 03000 110 110
- Email: info@idas.org.uk
London-based services
London Survivors Gateway: Connects you to specialist services for those affected by sexual violence.
Rape Crisis London: Offers support for survivors of sexual abuse or violence.
National services
Samaritans: A 24-hour confidential helpline for anyone in distress.
- Samaritans website
- Phone: 116 123
Rape Crisis England and Wales: A feminist charity working to end sexual violence and abuse.
