Under the revised Staff and Students Relationships Policy that took effect in July 2024, intimate relationships between staff and students for whom they have a professional responsibility are prohibited. Close personal relationships (that is, relationships that are not intimate, but that go beyond the boundaries of professional conduct, or may reasonably be perceived to do so) between staff and students for whom they have a professional responsibility, are strongly discouraged. Where the latter exist or arise, they must be disclosed to the Head of Institution so that an assessment can be made of any potential conflict of interest and influence. For staff, failure to comply with this policy will be considered a disciplinary matter.
Policy concerning personal relationships between staff and students
Guidance - personal relationship between staff and students
Questions?
Any member of staff or student who has questions about the policy or guidance and its application should discuss them with their Head of Department or equivalent post-holder.
- Additional advice for staff may be sought from their Departmental Administrator, HR Business Manager, HR Adviser, or from a trade union.
- Additional support for students may be sought from here or from their College Tutor.
The University operates a Counselling Service for both students and for staff and signposts students and staff to other sources of advice and support.