The University of Southampton is committed to creating an inclusive university community, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy is clear that discrimination, harassment, bullying, sexual misconduct, victimisation and hate incidents are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
This comprehensive source of information outlines the University’s approach to preventing and responding to such behaviour:
If you are seeking support: we recommend that you review this information with one of our specialists. They can talk you through the process, and ensure you get the support you need. You can learn more about this support under Section 5.
At the point of enrolment, students agree that it is their responsibility to abide by the Ordinances, Regulations and Policies of the University. These include, but are not limited to, those listed below. Similarly, by signing a contract of employment with the University, staff agree to read and uphold the terms of their employment including all policies that apply to them. Unless a policy states otherwise, any suspected policy breach will be investigated as misconduct under the Regulations Governing Student Discipline or the Employment Procedures, as appropriate.
The Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy establishes the University's commitment to creating an inclusive environment for everyone.
This policy applies to all students, staff, and individuals working for or with the University. It defines what we mean by discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, victimisation, and hate incidents. It makes it clear that these behaviours are unacceptable, and what to do if you see or experience such behaviours. It also sets out our approach to preventing unacceptable behaviour.
The University aims to apply the principles of this policy throughout its global operations. Where this policy conflicts with local law or customs, the University aims to uphold its values and the principles of this policy within the law.
The Student Charter is a reference point for our students and staff, setting out our expectations, rights and responsibilities as members of the University community. It gives an overview of how we work together to establish and maintain our unique learning and living culture. Our Student Charter has been jointly developed by the University and the University of Southampton Students’ Union (SUSU), and we work together to ensure its implementation.
This University's Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech sets out the University’s approach to secure lawful freedom of speech and academic freedom.
The University is committed to a respectful and safe environment for work and study. Mutual trust and confidence between students, staff, and individuals working for or with the University is central to establishing this environment.
Our Personal Relationships Policy sets out the University's position with respect to various types of personal relationships in the workplace, and our expectations and responsibilities of staff. Section 6 of the policy details our position on intimate relationships with students.
The Conflicts of Interest Policy ensures that our activities, and those of our staff and individuals working for or with the University, are conducted to the highest standards of integrity, ethics and accountability, and in line with the Seven Principles of Public Life.
These regulations provide the formal framework governing student conduct and behaviour, and the investigation and resolution of complaints raised by students.
The Regulations Governing Student Discipline set out the University’s expectations of student conduct while enrolled on a University programme of study. They explain the steps we will take to investigate allegations of student misconduct, the support available to students throughout an investigation, and the sanctions for students where an allegation is upheld. Section 8 explains how confidentiality will be maintained during and after an investigation, and in what circumstances information may be shared with other people.
The Regulations Governing Student Complaints set out the University’s commitment to ensuring that students have the opportunity to raise complaints without risk of disadvantage or recrimination. Each case will be considered on its own merit and in accordance with the evidence and circumstances presented. Complaints will be treated constructively and promptly, with fairness and consistency.
Students can obtain free, independent and confidential advice and support throughout these processes from the Students' Union Advice Centre and are encouraged to do so wherever possible.
For students based overseas, local variations may need to be applied. These variations are signposted as appropriate from the regulations themselves.
The University has ‘Overarching Principles’ which accompanies all Employment Procedures which relate to Grievance, Disciplinary, Managing Performance, Probation, Redundancy, Managing Sickness Absence and Ill Health, Appeals and Dismissal on other grounds. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) underpin these procedures and it is the expectation that EDI is considered at every stage.
If you experience or witness harassment or sexual misconduct, you should tell someone as soon as possible. You can speak to the Student Hub, available 24/7 all year round, via email, online chat or by calling 02380 599 599. You can also speak with a member of University staff, such as your Personal Academic Tutor.
You can tell us via our Report + Support platform. This can be used by students, staff and third-parties to report bullying, discrimination, harassment, hate incidents and sexual misconduct. You can report anonymously or with contact details and ask to speak to a trained advisor to get information on your options and what support is available.
Friends, relatives and third-party professionals can share information on a student’s behalf through Report + Support or the Student Hub. If a report is made by a third-party, then we will ask the affected student to confirm that they want the complaint investigated before proceeding. Third-parties include parents, guardians, relatives, and the spouse or partner of the affected student.
Whether you tell us about an incident through Report + Support, the Student Hub, or by telling a member of staff, you will be contacted by a member of our specialist harassment team. This specialist will help you to consider your options, including access to practical and emotional support.
The specialist will ask you to consider if you want to continue with a formal procedure, but there is no expectation that you will progress to a formal procedure. However, it is not always possible to take direct action such as disciplinary action, without the formal involvement of a named person. This is to ensure adherence to the principles of natural justice, including fair treatment and procedural fairness through investigation.
If you choose to tell us anonymously through Report + Support, the information will be considered for risk, and concerns will be taken seriously. Our Report + Support platform operates a two-way anonymous messaging system for initial discussion if you are still concerned about being identified or sharing more detail. However, please note that it is rarely possible to take direct action without a named person being involved.
If you choose to proceed to a formal procedure, advice and guidance will be provided every step of the way to help you understand how the investigation and decision-making process works.
If you should decide to make a complaint about a student, you will be asked to complete an allegations form. Further information, including the allegation form, can be found on our Student Discipline pages.
If you should decide to make a complaint about a member of staff, you will be asked complete a complaint form. Further information, including the complaints form can be found under Guidance for Students on Complaints and Appeals.
Further information about the procedures associated with Student Discipline and with complaints and appeals can be found in the following sections of our Regulations:
Our Student Discipline web pages host a ‘useful downloads’ section which includes helpful information for students who have made or received an allegation, and for those who received an allegation made against them. There is also guidance about discipline panel hearings and what to expect.
We recommend that this guidance is read in conjunction with a member of one of our expert team: you can learn more about the support you can access in Section 5.
You can speak to the Student Hub, available 24/7 all year round, via email, online chat or by calling 02380 599 599.
All students affected by harassment or sexual misconduct will receive guidance, advice, and emotional support from our specialist teams. This support is available from the moment they report an incident and continues at any time thereafter, even if they initially decline assistance. This applies regardless of whether or not they choose to pursue a formal procedure. Support is offered to those who have alleged and/or experienced incidents of harassment or sexual misconduct as well as alleged perpetrators and those against whom an allegation of misconduct has been upheld.
Our internal teams and specialists work together closely to consider your support needs. This holistic approach is considerate of recognised characteristics, including in relation to disability and reasonable adjustments and includes:
The University also operates a special partnership with Yellow Door in Southampton to offer fast track support and expertise to students. This includes access by referral to Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and therapeutic support for those who are victims of sexual abuse at any time in their lives. Students may also obtain free, independent and confidential advice throughout the process from the SUSU Advice Centre.
All information shared about harassment and sexual misconduct is handled sensitively by trained professionals within the Student Wellbeing team.
Staff who handle sensitive information about incidents of harassment or sexual misconduct are required to complete appropriate training before receiving information about, investigating or taking decisions on matters relating to incidents of harassment or sexual misconduct. Staff complete refresher training to ensure that they are delivering best practice.
The University provides training to ensure that all students understand our expectations of their conduct and behaviour, and the support that we provide. Some of this training is compulsory, and we will contact you prior to enrolment and/or at the beginning of your programme of study to explain this and how you to complete the training. This includes:
We refer to our Student Charter regularly in student communications throughout the year, including through our My UoS Mailers. This sets out the expectations, rights and responsibilities of everyone in our community. It also signposts to specialist support.
Students who may feel unable to take part in training because of individual experience and circumstance will be invited to meet with a specialist within the Student Wellbeing team.
We will share regular updates with you about all the aspects covered in this guide as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our community safe and supported. This includes a link to this guide, and any updates to policy and procedure on harassment and sexual misconduct.
Information related to an incident of harassment or sexual misconduct will be obtained sensitively and handled confidentially and fairly in accordance with our Regulations Governing Student Discipline and Student Complaints and Data Protection Policy.
The principles to be applied and steps that the University will take are detailed in Section 7 of the Regulations Governing Student Complaints, and Section 8 of the Regulations Governing Student Discipline.
No, the University does not use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) – or terms having this effect – where a complaint is made about student misconduct or alleged sexual misconduct, bullying or harassment.