Jump to main content
Logo

Harassment and sexual misconduct

This webpage summarises Walbrook’s policies and procedures on harassment and sexual misconduct, including intimate personal relationships between staff members and students.


This webpage is the 'single comprehensive source of information' required by the Office for Students (OfS registration condition E6).

Harassment and sexual misconduct are defined in our Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy as follows:


“Harassment" is unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment as defined by the Equality Act 2010. This includes harassment by association or perception.


"Sexual Misconduct" relates to all unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Sexual harassment as defined by Section 26(2) Equality Act 2010.

  • Assault as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

  • Rape as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Physical unwanted sexual advances as set out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission: Sexual harassment and the law, 2017.

  • Intimidation or promising resources or benefits in return for sexual favours as set out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission: Sexual harassment and the law, 2017.

  • Distributing private and personal explicit images or video footage of an individual without their consent as defined by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.

See our Safeguarding and Respect at Walbrook webpage for further information on bullying and harassment.


Internal and external agencies

Freedom of speech

Walbrook is committed to upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom in line with our legal obligations. Our approach to preventing and addressing harassment and sexual misconduct is designed to protect students while maintaining a learning environment that supports free expression. No part of our policies are intended to limit lawful speech or academic debate.

Policy updates and version history

We are committed to transparency in how we handle incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct. This page includes the most current version of our policies. Previous versions of our key policies will be retained to ensure clarity and consistency for students, including those involved in historical investigations. Also, on the title page of each policy a log of substantive policy changes is maintained.