This motion was carried at an ordinary general meeting of members of this branch on 12 October 2023

Conference notes:

1. OfS Consultation on regulating harassment and sexual misconduct (England)¹
2. Research² shows most students are not comfortable with romantic and sexual staff-student relationships.

Conference believes:

1. Better measures must be developed to prevent abuses of power between staff and students
2. UCU must campaign for a consistent approach to sexual misconduct, emphasising differential power relations

Conference calls on WMSC to:

1. Centre campaigning on abuse of power which underpins sexual misconduct
2. Work with NUS and 1752 to advocate for effective mechanisms to end abuse, drawing on their knowledge and expertise
3. Support policies which prohibit staff-student relationships where the staff member has a direct responsibility for, or involvement in student’s study
4. Demand proper resourcing to accompany any relationship registration approach, noting the need for appropriate data handling (NUS consultation response S11b8³) and training
5. Focus on developing policies that ensure safe studying and working environments

References:

https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/media/292f4ba4-0938-4bf3-a9b8-bde76f663185/harassment-and-sexual-misconduct-consultation-2023-final.pdf

Should sexual and romantic relationships between staff and students be prohibited? (Yes)

https://www.nus.org.uk/ofs-harassment-consultation-response

(The minutes of the meeting will be approved at a subsequent general meeting, and this text is subject to that approval. This is a copy of the motion and there may be formatting variations from the original motion in the minutes.)

This page was last updated on 12 October 2023