New policies to address harmful sexual behaviours and staff-student relationships

The University has published two important policies to uphold its commitment to creating an environment in which harmful sexual behaviour is openly recognised as unacceptable and is not tolerated within the University community.

The Harmful Sexual Behaviours Policy and Intimate Relationships between Staff Members and Students Policy have been developed as part of the University’s Creating Cultures of Consent and Respect Action Plan. Both policies complement the existing Addressing Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Policy and Procedures. They are part of a suite of mechanisms that seek to provide further clarity and guidance to staff and students to foster an environment where harm is minimised, and where speaking out about sexual harm is supported and encouraged. These policies also seek to protect staff members and students from conflict of interest allegations and to limit circumstances where a position of power may be abused.

University-wide consultation on the policies was undertaken in late 2022, with feedback received from staff incorporated in the final policies and guidelines. Both policies were also reviewed and endorsed by the University’s Harassment Governance Group.