Report & Support for Harassment and Sexual Misconduct

Our goal is to sustain behavioural and cultural change, inspire and educate students to ensure compliance with legal standards, and embed inclusivity across our campuses. 

This includes encouraging good relations, promoting a culture of respect, and eliminating bullying, sexual misconduct, harassment, or hate crime. 

Any allegations of harassment, and misconduct will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action. VCAD ensures that any student raising a genuine concern will not be victimised.  

All allegations, whether informal or formal, will be handled sensitively and objectively, respecting the rights of all parties involved. Any information received will be treated confidentially, with personal information shared only to ensure policy compliance. 

Why This Matters

Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or violence can cause serious and lasting harm to individuals and to the wider College community. As well as preventing students from achieving their potential, such behaviour can jeopardise the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of those affected. 

The negative impact of this behaviour can result in our community members feeling humiliated, unsafe, stressed, nervous, vulnerable, depressed, and unable to engage with work or studies. 

VCAD expects all relationships and interactions to be grounded in mutual respect, open communication and clear consent and this policy is based on these principles and practices. 

Hate Crime
Any criminal offence motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic, such as race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Bullying

As defined by ACAS) bullying can involve offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, often repeated, that causes physical or emotional harm.

Harassment

As defined in the Equality Act 2010, Harassment is unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive

environment.

Sexual Harassment
Unwanted sexual behaviour that violates someone’s dignity or creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment. It doesn’t have to be deliberate or directed at a specific individual.

Spiking
Adding drugs or alcohol to someone's drink or body without their knowledge or consent, often to harm or take advantage of them.

Stalking
Repeated, unwanted attention that causes fear or distress. This could include being followed, monitored, or contacted persistently — in person or online.

Domestic Violence
Also known as domestic abuse, this is a pattern of controlling, threatening or violent behaviour between partners or family members. It can include physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or financial abuse.

‘Honour’-Based Violence
Crimes committed to protect or defend the perceived honour of a family or community. This may include forced marriage, threats, abuse or physical violence.

Microaggressions
Subtle or indirect discrimination, often unintentional, such as stereotyping, dismissive comments, or exclusion. Over time, they can have a serious emotional impact.

Discrimination
Treating someone unfairly because of a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. These include:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Consent
Freely given, informed, and clear agreement to engage in sexual activity. Consent must be ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time. Silence or lack of resistance does not equal consent.

Freedom to Consent
Consent cannot exist if someone is pressured, manipulated, threatened, or lacks the freedom to say no.

Capacity to Consent
A person cannot consent if they are asleep, unconscious, or mentally impaired (e.g., through alcohol, drugs, or health conditions).

Incapacitation
A state in which someone is unable to make informed decisions or communicate consent — due to substances, medical condition, or mental state. Signs may include slurred speech, unsteady movement, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

Abuse of Power
Using a position of authority to pressure, manipulate, or coerce someone. This could happen in professional, academic, or personal relationships.

Sexual Misconduct
Any unwanted sexual behaviour, including:

• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault
• Intimate partner violence
• Grooming
• Coercion
• Inappropriate sexual comments or gestures
• Pressuring someone with promises of benefits for sexual access

Grooming
A gradual process used by someone in a position of power to manipulate and exploit another person, often leading to abuse.

Coercion or Force
Threats or harm (physical or emotional) used to compel someone into a sexual act against their will.

Victimisation
Treating someone unfairly because they’ve made or supported a complaint about discrimination or harassment — e.g. excluding them, punishing them, or ignoring their concerns.

Complicity
Helping, encouraging, or remaining silent about sexual misconduct or other unacceptable behaviour.

See below for further links and guidance for local and national support for Hate Crime, Rape and Sexual Assault, Domestic Abuse and Violence, Victims of Crime, and General Health and Wellbeing Support or guidance. Or Speak with the Health and Wellbeing Team at VCAD.

 VCAD Health & Wellbeing  

The aim of the department is to provide guidance, signposting, and support in areas linked to Health, Disability, Specific Learning Differences, safeguarding and Wellbeing. If you have experienced something that has made you feel unsafe, targeted, disrespected, or harmed, please know it’s okay to report it. 

Phone:+44 20 3875 8091 (Monday-Friday, 9-5)  

Email: health.wellbeing@vcad.co.uk 

Student Safeguarding Concerns 

Speaking up can make a significant difference, potentially preventing serious harm and ensuring that appropriate support is provided quickly. Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding, and student awareness and action are key components of a strong, protective community. 

If you have any concerns about someone’s safety, please fill out the safeguarding concern form or email safeguarding@vcad.ac.uk   

We know it can be hard to define your experience, so below are some common types of incidents: 

• Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual behaviour, comments, or advances (in person or online) that make you feel uncomfortable, intimidated, or violated. 
• Sexual Assault: Any sexual contact or behaviour that happens without clear, informed, and ongoing consent. 
• Harassment: Repeated or targeted behaviour that demeans, intimidates, or offends, based on characteristics like race, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, or other protected traits. 
• Bullying: Persistent, offensive, abusive, or intimidating behaviour that undermines, humiliates, or harms someone emotionally or physically. 
• Discrimination: Unfair or unequal treatment based on personal characteristics protected by law, such as age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. 
• Hate Incidents or Hate Crimes: Incidents motivated by hostility or prejudice toward someone’s identity, including race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity. 
• Stalking: Unwanted and repeated attention or contact that causes distress, fear, or concern for your safety. 
• Relationship Abuse: Controlling, coercive, threatening, or violent behaviour between people in a relationship, including emotional, financial, physical, or sexual abuse. 
• Online Abuse or Cyberbullying: Threatening, abusive, or offensive messages or content shared through social media, email, or other digital platforms. 

1. Make a Report

If you experience or witness bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can choose to report it either informally or formally.

• Informal reports involves early support or mediation through the Health and Wellbeing Team (for students) or your Line Manager (for staff). It doesn’t trigger a formal investigation and stays confidential unless safety is at risk. You can still choose to escalate it later.
• Formal reports is where an official complaint is made.

Students can report through the Report Form below or contact the Health and Wellbeing team at health.wellbeing@vcad.co.uk or the Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@vcad.ac.uk for support.

Students can also submit concerns through the Safeguarding concern area on the student portal: Student Safeguarding. 

Staff should report via the HR department at hr_vcad@vcad.co.uk and make a formal complaint. .

VCAD will take steps to ensure safety and carry out appropriate investigations.

2. Anonymous Reporting

VCAD recognises that some individuals may wish to share information or experiences without disclosing their identity. However, this please note that this substantially limits the College's ability to take direct action against specific individuals when based solely on anonymous reports.

• These reports may help us spot patterns, potential risks, or broader safeguarding implications
• Action may be limited if we can’t follow up directly.

Whenever possible, we encourage named reporting so we can offer direct support and take proper action.

Submitting this form anonymously ensures that your identity remains undisclosed. Any information provided will be kept private unless the report determines that there is a significant safety risk to you or others, then the College may be required to take appropriate steps to safeguard those involved.

Note on False Reporting

VCAD takes all reports seriously. However, the College reserves the right to disregard complaints that are clearly unfounded, malicious, or vexatious in nature. Any individual found to be making deliberately false or vexatious allegations may be subject to disciplinary procedures, in line with relevant policies. 

We aim to ensure all concerns raised are genuine and handled fairly, protecting everyone involved.

Confidentiality

Your privacy matters. Reports will be handled confidentially, in line with our Data Protection Policy.

In some cases, we may need to share information with specific people or departments to keep you or others safe and properly resolve the issue. We will always aim to involve you and keep you informed.

When a formal report of harassment or sexual misconduct is submitted, VCAD will handle the case with confidentiality, fairness, and in line with College policies.

• Investigations are carried out by Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and/or the HR team.
• All parties involved will be treated with sensitivity and impartiality throughout the process.

No Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

VCAD does not allow the use of NDAs to hide or resolve allegations of harassment or sexual misconduct.

• Individuals cannot be asked to keep silent about incidents — before, during, or after the process.
• Any attempt to impose or enforce an NDA in such cases will result in immediate disciplinary action.

Applicable Policies

Depending on who is involved, different College procedures will apply:

• Student complaint against a Student:
  Managed under the Student Complaints Policy & Procedure.
  May also be referred to the Student Disciplinary Policy at the discretion of the DSL.
• Student complaint against Staff:
  Managed under the Staff Disciplinary Policy.
• Staff complaint against a Student:
  Managed under the Student Disciplinary Policy.
• Staff complaint against Staff:
  Managed under the Staff Grievance Procedure.
  If required, it may be escalated to the Staff Disciplinary Procedure following investigation.

Support for the Reporting Party

As part of the management of the case, the DSL will seek to identify appropriate support for the Reporting Party and assist her/him to obtain that support. This is likely to include the provision of support from the VCAD and/or from external specialists. 

The Code is designed to promote a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for everyone. It outlines the expected standards of behaviour, both on campus and online, and reflects the values of integrity, inclusivity, and professionalism. Any breach of the Code may result in an investigation, and where appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken in line with VCAD’s established procedures.

Below are the expectations that VCAD and the Partner University has of Students:

1. Not to bully anyone (e.g. make them feel frightened, less respected than others or put down or made fun of) either physically, verbally, in writing or online.
2. Not to harass someone (e.g. unwanted behaviour or conduct which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment) on the basis of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, either physically, verbally, in writing or online.
3. Not to engage in acts of domestic violence and abuse (which can involve control, coercion or threats) or stalking.
4. Not to discriminate against someone by treating them unfairly on the basis of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity; either physically, verbally, in writing or online.
5. To respect the rights of others to live without fear of unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.
6. Not to victimise someone for supporting an individual who has made a complaint as a result of bullying, harassment, discrimination or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.
7. To use the internet, including social media, in a responsible way, respecting the rights of others and not post hate speech, including using racist, homophobic, misogynistic, sexist or transphobic language.
8. To live, work and study within the boundaries of UK criminal and civil law and, in particular, those relating to disorderly or violent behaviour, drug offences, indecency, theft and fraud.
9. To respect the rights of others to live, study and work undisturbed by unreasonably excessive noise or disturbance.
10. To respect the property of the College & Partner University, members of its community and local residents and to be careful not to damage their property.

Speaking up can make a significant difference, potentially preventing serious harm and ensuring that appropriate support is provided quickly.

If you have any concerns about someone’s safety, please fill out the safeguarding concern form or email safeguarding@vcad.ac.uk   

We acknowledge that close relationships among staff may sometimes create actual or perceived challenges to these principles, potentially affecting both the College and the individuals involved. We are equally dedicated to acting with integrity, ensuring that all decisions remain impartial and free from conflicts of interest. This policy aims to safeguard all parties by preventing real or perceived conflicts of interest and limit any opportunity for the abuse of position. 

Training for Staff:

Staff receive mandatory training to meet the requirements of Condition E6 on harassment and sexual misconduct, along with additional safeguarding training. They are supported by a network of Safeguarding Officers, Safeguarding Champions, and a Designated Safeguarding Lead who offer confidential advice and make appropriate referrals where needed.

These are:

• Prevent  
• Safeguarding (HE) Essentials 
• First Aid 
• GDPR - Data Protection  
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) 
• Health and Safety  
• Manual Handling 
• Fire Safety 
• Mental Health and Wellbeing  
• Harassment and sexual misconduct (OfS guidelines) 

Training for Students:

Students receive key information is provided at induction, reinduction, and Outduction, and is clearly outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Additional training focused specifically on harassment and sexual misconduct, covering awareness, understanding of reporting procedures, available support, and the overall process, is being developed in collaboration with partners to ensure a consistent and supportive approach for all students.