Some of the terms on this webpage and in our policies and procedures are legal definitions that we are required to use, based on national regulations from the Office for Students (OfS). That means the language might feel quite formal – but don’t worry. If you’re not sure what something means, there’s support available.

Here are the official definitions we use:

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct means any unwanted or attempted unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault
• Rape

This is explained in more detail in the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, which also includes examples and further guidance on how we define and respond to sexual misconduct.

Harassment

Harassment has the meaning given in section 26 of the Equality Act 2010 and section 1 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (interpreted by section 7 of the Act).

You can find more detail, including examples and how the University responds to harassment, in our Bullying, Harassment and Hate Crime Policy.

Intimate personal relationship

An Intimate personal relationship is a relationship that involves one or more of the following:

• Physical intimacy, including isolated or repeated sexual activity
• Romantic or emotional intimacy

Abuse of power

An abuse of power means a situation where a staff member exploits a position of power in relation to a student to apply pressure in a way that:

• May result in the student doing something (or not doing something) they wouldn’t otherwise do
• Could reasonably lead to something within the scope of an intimate personal relationship

The University has a number of formal policies and procedures that support our commitment to preventing harassment and sexual misconduct, and ensuring that all members of our community are treated fairly, respectfully, and safely. 

Below are some of the key policies and procedures you may wish to refer to: 

• Sexual Misconduct Policy – outlines the University’s approach to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct
• Bullying, Harassment and Hate Crime Policy – explains how the University addresses these behaviours and supports those affected
• Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure – how we investigate and respond to reports of student misconduct
• Student Code of Conduct – expectations for student conduct as part of the University community
• Relationships Involving Employees, Students and Close Personal Contacts Policy – guidance on personal relationships between staff and students
• Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom Policy – outlines the University’s responsibilities to uphold lawful free speech while protecting students from harm

These policies are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain up to date and meet the University’s legal and regulatory obligations. If you need help understanding any of these, or want to talk through how they apply to your situation, we’re here to support you.

We’re committed to creating a safe, respectful and supportive community for all students, and that means taking active steps to prevent harassment and sexual misconduct before it happens. Across the University, our approach includes a combination of awareness, training, and support systems designed to protect students and promote a positive culture.

We provide high-quality, evidence-based training for both students and staff, including mandatory online consent training, in-person induction sessions, and specialist workshops for key staff. Our Students’ Union also offers training and resources for student leaders, societies and sports clubs.

Our policies, including those on sexual misconduct, harassment and hate crime, student conduct, and staff-student relationships — set clear expectations for behaviour and include strong procedures for addressing any concerns. These are backed by fair, trauma-informed investigation processes and a clear commitment to free speech within the law.

We also invest in support services, community engagement and campus safety. This includes 24/7 Campus Support, low crime rates, a thriving programme of social and wellbeing activities, and strong links to local police and specialist services. We work in partnership with the Students’ Union, Liberation Officers and student volunteers to support a culture of care and accountability. 

Ongoing development is led by a dedicated working group made up of key staff and Students’ Union officers. This group meets regularly to review progress, identify priorities, and drive further improvements based on student feedback, data and evidence about what works.

Each of these actions plays an important part – but it’s the combination of them that really matters. Together, they form a joined-up approach that helps protect our community, supports those affected, and fosters a culture where everyone is empowered to speak up, step in, and thrive.

You’ll find more information about each of these areas throughout this page.

We’re proud to be recognised as the safest University campus in the North West, with low crime rates and a dedicated Campus Support team available 24/7. Whether it’s helping with everyday questions or responding in an emergency, they’re always on hand – on campus, or just a phone call away.

Our campus is monitored around the clock with regular patrols, CCTV, and safety systems like fire and intruder alarms. We also manage access to buildings and provide first aid and emergency response when needed.

We work closely with local police, who regularly patrol the area and help keep our community safe and supported. If you live on campus, there’s always someone there to help if you need it.

If you ever feel unsafe or need advice, don’t hesitate to speak to a member of the Campus Support team. You’ll spot them across campus or in the customer building at the main entrance.

University life is about more than just study. It’s also about meeting new people, building friendships, and feeling part of a supportive and respectful community.

At Edge Hill, there are loads of ways to get involved and make the most of student life. Whether it’s joining one of the 100+ student-led societies through your Students’ Union, signing up for events on the Student Life Portal, or getting to know your neighbours through the Residential Life programme, there’s something for everyone.

Our events and activities are designed to help you connect with others, explore your interests, and feel at home, from creative workshops and sports clubs to global culture nights, wellbeing sessions, and leadership opportunities. You’ll also find Campus Connectors on hand in The Hub most days, ready to point you in the right direction.

If you’re passionate about inclusion or want to be part of making university life fairer and more inclusive, there are even more ways to get involved, from volunteering to joining campaigns run by our EHSU Liberation Officers, who represent and advocate for marginalised student communities.

When we look out for each other, challenge harmful behaviour, and create spaces where everyone feels respected, we help make our university community safer and stronger for everyone.

We understand that experiencing harassment or sexual misconduct can have a serious impact on your wellbeing, safety, and studies. If this has happened to you, whether recently or in the past, you are not alone and support is available.

Support for students affected by harassment or sexual misconduct 

You can access a range of emotional and practical support from trained advisers in our Student Services teams. We will always listen without judgement and tailor support to your needs. This may include:

• Emotional wellbeing support, such as counselling and mental health services
• Referral to external specialist services, including organisations that support survivors of sexual violence
• Help managing the impact on your studies, such as adjustments to timetables, deadlines or exams
• Support with accommodation issues, if needed
• A safe space to talk, whenever you’re ready
• Help understanding your reporting options, including how to report to the University and/or the police, if that’s something you want to explore

You are in control of what support you access and when – we will always respect your choices.

Not all University staff are trained to provide specialist support, but any member of staff can offer a listening ear and help you access the right services. Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Team in Student Services includes staff who are trained to support students affected by sexual assault or harassment. Their support is confidential, unless there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or a legal duty to share information.

We recommend contacting this team if you would like to talk to someone in a safe and supportive environment.

Counselling

Free, confidential counselling is available through the University’s Counselling Team or via Edge Well 24/7. You don’t need to have made a formal report to access this support.

Support for Students responding to a concern

If you are involved in a case as the person responding to an allegation, you are also entitled to support. This situation can be distressing, and we are here to help you look after your wellbeing.

Support includes:

• Emotional support, such as counselling or mental health services
• A named contact to help you access the right services and answer wellbeing-related questions
• Practical advice, if your studies or living situation are affected

You will be treated with fairness and dignity, and you can access support whether or not you engage in any formal process.

Support from the Students’ Union Advice Team

If you’ve experienced harassment, sexual misconduct or any form of unwanted behaviour, the Edge Hill Students’ Union (EHSU) Advice Team is here to support you.

They offer free, independent and confidential advice, completely separate from the University. That means you can talk openly with a friendly, non-judgemental adviser whether you want to understand your rights, explore your options, or just talk things through.

The Advice Team can help you:

• Understand University procedures or what support is available
• Make an anonymous report
• Prepare for any meetings or processes you choose to engage with
• Access further support for issues affecting your wellbeing or studies

You can get in touch by email or book an appointment online – whichever works best for you.

Staff seeking support and information regarding sexual misconduct and harassment can access our dedicated staff SharePoint page. This page includes clear information, resources, and signposting to internal and external support services. It features a link to the Let Us Know reporting tool, which allows individuals to report concerns confidentially and safely. Additionally, a toolkit for line managers is available, offering practical advice on how to prevent, address, and respond to disclosures or incidents of sexual misconduct, bullying, and harassment in the workplace. These resources are designed to ensure all staff feel informed, supported, and empowered to take appropriate action.

If you’ve experienced or witnessed harassment or sexual misconduct, whether recently or in the past, you don’t have to face it alone. You can choose to report the incident to the University, to an external service such as the police or a specialist support organisation, or both. It’s entirely your decision, and we’re here to help you understand your options.

Reporting to the Police or an external organisation 

You have the right to report what happened to the police at any time. If you need support with this, we can help you understand the process or make the report on your behalf.

We can also support you to access specialist services, such as:

• SAFE Place – Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Liverpool
• SAFE Centre – Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Preston
• Sexual Assault and Childhood Sexual Abuse – Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre for Cheshire and Merseyside, offer counselling and access to Independent Sexual Violence Advisors.
• Lancashire Victim Services – Providing emotional support, information and practical help, regardless of whether you have reported the crime to the police or not.

We can talk through these options with you and help you decide what feels right. No pressure. No judgement. Just support, in the way that works best for you.

Reporting to the University

There are two main ways to report something internally:

1. Let us know online form

You can use the Let us know form to tell us about something that’s happened, whether it affected you directly or someone else. You can complete the form anonymously if you wish, although this may limit what action we can take. The Mental Health & Wellbeing Team will review what you’ve submitted and decide on the most appropriate next steps, always aiming to follow your wishes unless someone is at serious risk.

You don’t need to know exactly what you want to happen, just letting us know is enough to start a conversation.

2. Speak to someone you trust 

If you’re not ready to submit a form or make a report, you can talk things through with a staff member you trust – like a Student Services Adviser, your personal tutor, or another member of staff. They can help you understand the options and, if you want, connect you to someone who can support you further.

You can make an appointment to speak to a trained professional in our Mental Health and Wellbeing team online via email or by asking at the Catalyst helpdesk.

Making a formal report to the University 

If you decide to make a formal report to the University, we will listen carefully and then consider which process is the most appropriate for investigating the concern. This may vary depending on who the report is about: 

• If the report relates to another student, we will normally consider it under the Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure 
• If the report is about a member of staff, it will usually be considered under the University’s HR procedures 

If the matter is also being investigated by the police or is going through the courts, the University will usually pause its own process until the external proceedings are complete. This is to ensure that we don’t interfere with any criminal investigation and to protect the rights of everyone involved. We will continue to offer support and take any steps needed to help you feel safe during this time.

To begin the process, you can contact [email protected].

Whatever you decide, it’s your choice, and we’ll support you throughout.

If the report relates to another student

If your formal report is about another student, and we proceed under the Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure, here’s what happens next:

• Your report will be reviewed and a clear written record will be created and shared with you
• If there is enough information to proceed, the responding student will be informed and invited to a meeting
• Both reporting and responding parties will have the opportunity to provide relevant information and suggest any witnesses
• A decision will be made based on the balance of probabilities (i.e. whether it is more likely than not that the misconduct occurred)
• In serious cases, the matter may be referred to a Student Misconduct Panel, which will consider the case and decide the outcome
• If you are the responding student, you will receive a formal Outcome Letter and have the right to appeal the decision
• If you are the reporting student, we will share enough information with you to explain the outcome and provide reassurance that the matter has been properly investigated

We know this process can feel difficult, and support will be offered to both parties throughout.

Raising awareness and providing clear, accessible training are key parts of the University’s approach to preventing harassment and sexual misconduct. We want all members of our community, both staff and students, to feel confident in recognising inappropriate behaviour, supporting one another, and knowing how to take positive action.

How we train our staff

We want every student to feel supported, heard, and safe – and that means making sure our staff are confident and well-prepared to help.

Between 2020 and 2024, more than 1,000 staff completed an in-house training programme, and we’re continuing to build on that with stronger, more accessible training for everyone. From August 2025, all University staff are required to complete mandatory online training on harassment, sexual misconduct, and safeguarding. This training is refreshed every three years to make sure staff stay up to date. It helps everyone understand their responsibilities and how to respond appropriately if a student shares a concern.

Staff also have access to a practical online toolkit that includes clear, step-by-step guidance on what to do if someone discloses an incident, as well as videos, useful contacts, and links to support services.

Staff in key support roles, like those in the Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Team, Accommodation, Campus Support, and the Students’ Union Advice Centre, receive extra training delivered by external experts. This enhanced training is trauma-informed and gives them the skills to respond with care, sensitivity, and professionalism.

Essential training for students

For students, education about consent, relationships and safe intervention is a vital part of creating a respectful and inclusive University environment. That’s why we expect all students to complete our Consent Matters training – an inclusive, up-to-date online course covering sexual consent, communication, healthy relationships, and active bystander intervention.

We use a high-quality online training programme developed by leading experts in consent and bystander intervention, designed to be inclusive, research-informed, and fully accessible for all students.

You can access the course via Learning Edge (Blackboard). From the Institution Page menu, you’ll find a link to launch or enrol on the Consent Matters programme.

In addition, all new undergraduate students will attend a face-to-face induction session during September 2025. These sessions are designed to explore these topics in more depth, create space for discussion, and reinforce our community standards.

We also provide additional, role-specific training to student leaders, including Students’ Union officers, society and sports club leaders, Campus Connectors, and Peer Mentors — helping them support others and contribute to a positive and proactive culture across campus.

We are committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and fair environment for everyone. We expect all relationships between staff and students to uphold the highest standards of integrity and to avoid any actual or perceived abuse of power.

Close personal or intimate relationships between staff and students are strongly discouraged. These relationships carry a risk of unequal power, influence, or dependency, and can lead to concerns about fairness, consent, or conflicts of interest. In some cases, they may amount to a serious breach of professional boundaries or even constitute misconduct.

If a staff member enters into a close personal or intimate relationship with a student, they are required to declare it promptly to a senior manager. This is so the University can assess and manage any risks and put measures in place to protect both parties and uphold academic and professional standards.

Any failure by staff to declare such a relationship – or any misuse of their position – may lead to disciplinary action.

If you’re concerned that a staff-student relationship is affecting your experience or feel uncomfortable about the behaviour of a member of staff, please reach out to Student Services or the Students’ Union Advice Team. We will listen and take your concerns seriously.

You can read the full policy here: Relationships Involving Employees, Students and Close Personal Contacts Policy

We know that talking about harassment or sexual misconduct can feel overwhelming – especially when personal information is involved. Whether you’re sharing your own experience or named in a report, we are committed to handling all information with care, sensitivity and fairness.

Confidentiality and care 

When you tell us something, your information is treated as confidential and is only shared when necessary to: 

• Support you or another person involved 
• Assess any safety or wellbeing risks 
• Carry out an investigation fairly and lawfully 

In some situations, we may need to process sensitive personal data, but only where it is necessary and proportionate to do so. 

You can find more details about how the University collects, uses and protects your personal data in our Data Collection Notice, which explains your rights and our responsibilities in full.

Who might see the information

If a formal report leads to an investigation, your information may be shared with staff who are directly involved in managing the process, including:

• The investigating officer 
• Members of a Risk Assessment Panel, who consider support and safety needs for everyone involved 
• A formal panel (such as under the Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure), if the case reaches that stage 
• The other party(s) involved in the case, if sharing some limited information is needed to ensure a fair process 

In every case, we aim to share the minimum amount of information necessary, and only with those who need it to carry out their role.

Fairness and transparency

All of our procedures follow the principles of natural justice, which means that decisions are made fairly, impartially, and with respect for the rights of everyone involved.

• If a student makes a formal report, the other party will be informed of the allegation
• Both parties will have the chance to share relevant information and suggest any witnesses
• Both will be kept informed throughout the process
• If one student is offered the opportunity to meet in person to give a statement, the other will be offered the same

We carry out a Data Protection Impact Assessment to decide whether information should be shared and to confirm there is a clear legal basis for doing so.

What happens when a decision is made?

During a formal process, after all the information has been carefully reviewed and an outcome has been reached, all students involved will be informed and supported in understanding what that outcome means.

If you are the student responding to the concern:

You will be offered a meeting with the person who led the case to talk through the outcome in person. After that, you’ll receive a formal Outcome Letter, which will:

• Explain the decision that has been made
• Outline how that decision was reached
• Provide information about how to appeal, if that applies

This is your opportunity to ask questions and understand the next steps clearly.

If you are the student who raised the concern:

Once the Responding Student has been informed, you will also be offered a meeting to discuss the outcome. While you won’t receive a formal Outcome Letter, you will be given enough information to reassure you that the matter has been fully and fairly investigated, and to understand the outcome.  In some situations for example, where the outcome includes a sanction that directly affects you, we may need to share more specific details. In these cases, the University carries out a Data Sharing Impact Risk Assessment to make sure that any additional information is shared safely, fairly, and appropriately.

We understand that this stage can bring up a lot of emotions for everyone involved, and we will continue to offer support throughout.

Record keeping

We securely store all disclosures, reports, and outcomes in line with the University’s Records Retention Schedule. Access to these records is limited and controlled.

The University is committed to protecting freedom of speech within the law. This means we support the right of students and staff to express a wide range of lawful views, including those that may be unpopular, controversial, or challenging.

At the same time, we are equally committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment. That’s why we take clear steps to prevent and address harassment and sexual misconduct, and to support anyone affected by it.

We have developed our policies and procedures in a way that carefully balances these priorities. We will never take disciplinary action simply because someone expresses a lawful opinion. However, if a person’s behaviour crosses the line into harassment or sexual misconduct, as defined in law, we will respond appropriately, even if that behaviour involves speech.

Staff are trained to understand this balance, and we review our approach regularly to ensure we are meeting both our legal duties and our commitment to a respectful, open community.

What’s OK:

A student speaks in a seminar about their views on a political or religious issue, and some people in the room strongly disagree. The student’s opinion is lawful and shared respectfully. Even if others find it offensive or upsetting, this is protected by freedom of speech – the University will not take action just because someone expresses a lawful view.

When it crosses the line:

Later, the same student starts repeatedly messaging a classmate who disagreed with them, calling them names and making personal comments about their identity. They also post about them on social media, tagging them in content designed to humiliate or intimidate them.

At this point, the behaviour may count as harassment – not because of the opinion itself, but because of the targeted, unwanted and intimidating way it’s being shared.

If the University received an allegation that this had happened, it would need to be investigated under the Student Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure.

We want all students to feel safe and supported in speaking up.

The University does not use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases involving harassment or sexual misconduct. This means we will never ask you to sign anything that would stop you from talking about your experiences or from seeking help and support.

This has never been part of the University’s practice. Our student contracts and procedures do not include any clauses that restrict you from sharing information about an incident of harassment or sexual misconduct, and we are fully compliant with national guidance in this area.

You have the right to tell your story in your own words, on your own terms. If you ever feel pressured not to speak out, we encourage you to report this and seek support.

The University is committed to creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment, and that includes making sure we have the people, systems and resources in place to do this properly.

Staff from across the University play a role in this work, including teams in Student Services, Student Casework, Human Resources, Accommodation, and Marketing and Communications. We also work closely with our Students’ Union and student-led groups to make sure our approach reflects your needs and experiences.

Over the past few years, the University has increased its investment in this area.

This includes:

• A comprehensive training package for all students and staff
• Specialist staff to support students and carry out investigations
• Targeted training for staff, both online and in-person
• A dedicated working group meets regularly to oversee this work and make sure we have the right resources in place.

If extra support is needed, we take steps to secure it through our normal budget and planning processes.