This Branch Notes:  

• That the branch’s submitted motion HE38 was not taken at HESC 2025 

This branch believes:  

• That the issues raised in the motion remain urgent.  

This branch resolves:  

• To submit the updated motion below to HESC 2026.  

HE38  For evidence-based staff-student policies against misconduct 

HESC believes: 

• UCU should support clear, evidence-based policy to prevent abuses of power in HE, which must account for intersectional power relations 

• Clarity on staff-student relationships protects staff and students. 

HESC notes:  

• Regulatory requirements on harassment and sexual misconduct in effect in England from August 2025, in Wales from August 2026. 

• Most students are uncomfortable with staff-student relationships. 

HESC resolves to: 

• consult with UCU’s equalities standing committees and anti-casualisation committee, NUS, 1752 Group, other survivor organisations 

• call on branches to: 

• negotiate with employers and work with students’ unions, drawing on peer-reviewed research to develop professional boundaries between staff and students 

• seek policies prohibiting staff from entering intimate relationships with students for whom they have current / potential responsibilities 

• demand universities have comprehensive, intersectional training on professional boundaries and preventing sexual harassment across academic hierarchies (including between staff) 

• training for staff handling disclosures. 

(Covering motion 39 words; motion proposed for sector conference: 144 words). Proposed by Kate Hardy. Moved by Natalie Kopytko, seconded by Anja Komatar. The motion was carried at the ordinary general meeting 3 March 2026.

This page was last updated on 15 September 2026