The University runs a number of training courses on how to prevent harassment and sexual misconduct and to support staff and students who have experienced harassment and sexual misconduct.
During 2025/26, the University will be rolling out new training on equality legislation, harassment and sexual misconduct for staff, including for those with responsibilities under the Dignity at Work Policy. Further information will be available on this page as details of courses and learning resources are released.
Learning and Development courses
The University provides a wide range of information, training and development opportunities for staff, managers and leaders to build skills to tackle and prevent inappropriate behaviour. Information about the training and development opportunities currently available can be found on the Learning and Development website, including:
- A LinkedIn Learning pathway for staff, including information on the University's expectations about behaviour and how to report incidents
- A LinkedIn Learning pathway for managers, including resources to help staff with responsibility for other employees
- The University's Leadership Essentials course
Taking the Lead
In line with the University's Dignity at Work Policy, Grievance Policy and Code of Behaviour, 'Taking the Lead' focuses on the practical measures, knowledge and skills needed by senior leaders to create and support a culture which is courteous and professional, where inappropriate behaviour - including sexual misconduct - can be appropriately managed and where there is confidence in the systems to carry that out. The target audience is Heads of Institution, Faculties and Departments and it is especially beneficial for individuals taking on senior leadership responsibilities for the first time.
To register your interest in a future session of 'Taking the Lead', please email the HR Policy Team.
Diversity in the Workplace
All staff are required to complete the Diversity in the Workplace module. This will be available from the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year. This online module combines several areas of learning that includes diversity in the workplace, inappropriate behaviour and bias, protected characteristics and an inclusive environment. Information will also be included on the Office for Students Condition E6, the University's Single comprehensive source of information and understanding behaviours that may constitute harassment and/or sexual misconduct. The module will effectively address all aspects of equalities legislation and responsibilities under this.
Sexual harassment in higher education
All staff are required to complete the Sexual harassment in higher education module. This will be available from the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year. This HE-specific module ensures that staff are made aware of the relevant legislation relating to sexual harassment (Equality Act 2010 and the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023; are able to understand and describe what constitutes unlawful sexual harassment; understand the impact of unlawful sexual harassment on those who are subjected to it in the HE environment and are aware of the steps to take if they experience or witness sexual harassment. Learning is interactive, with different scenarios of sexual harassment in an academic environment played out in videos with questions to self-assess and support learning.
The module will help staff recognise inappropriate behaviour if they or others experience it and be better placed to report such behaviour in the workplace. Managers and leaders with responsibilities under the Dignity at Work Policy, will gain improved awareness of what constitutes sexual harassment to identify those who may be perpetrating such behaviour; have increased confidence to act in response to reports, and provide support to those who experience or witness this behaviour.
Staff training on responding to student disclosures of harassment and sexual misconduct
From the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, staff groups across the University and Colleges will receive training on how to prevent and respond to harassment and sexual misconduct.
The training that staff receive depends upon their role. Staff with pastoral responsibilities for students and those in positions of senior leadership will be able to signpost students to specialist services, and mandatory specialist training will be delivered for staff likely to receive student disclosures about incidents of harassment and/or sexual misconduct, undertake investigations, and make decisions about disciplinary cases. This will ensure that relevant staff have a clear understanding of policies and procedures, to ensure they can conduct their roles appropriately. Further information on training for staff with responsibility for students is available on the Harassment and sexual misconduct webpage.