Protecting our students from harassment and sexual misconduct

A comprehensive guide to the university's policies and procedures
Colourful hands up
The University of Plymouth does not tolerate harassment, sexual misconduct, or behaviour motivated by prejudice or hostility. We are committed to creating an environment where all members of our community feel safe, respected, and able to study, work, and live free from harm.
We recognise that these issues can occur in any part of society—including higher education—and can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.
That’s why we are building a culture that actively challenges inappropriate behaviour, encourages reporting, and ensures nobody feels alone if something happens.

Since starting as your Vice-Chancellor in October 2024, it’s been really clear that we genuinely care here at Plymouth. We care for our students, we care for each other, and we care for the community that we're part of. That culture of care also comes with responsibilities – and one of the most important we share is ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected, and able to thrive. That's why we've strengthened our approach to tackling harassment and sexual misconduct. This isn't just because it's required by the UK government, but more crucially because it's the right thing to do.

Richard DaviesProfessor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor

 

Reporting harassment and sexual misconduct

You can report an incident of harassment or sexual misconduct using our online reporting tool, Speak Up, which has the option to report anonymously.
Speak Up
speak up white background
 

How do I report an incident?

You can:

  • use our Speak Up tool
  • speak to a member of staff
  • contact the police directly.
If you give your name, someone from Student Services will contact you within three working days to offer support and explain your options. You’re not expected to know whether something counts as misconduct - if something doesn’t feel right, we’re here to listen.
You can also speak to a Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Liaison Officer (HSMLO) – trained staff who will support you and talk through your options.
Submitting a report does not mean that a formal investigation will start – our focus is on your wellbeing and providing you with choices.
Type of report How to report What happens
Named Use the Speak Up form or tell a staff member We will contact you to discuss suport and next steps.
Anonymous Speak Up form We will review what you have shared and act if possible.
To the police Your choice You can report to the Police at any time - we will support you either way

Reporting on behalf of someone else

If you’re worried about a friend, you can report on their behalf via Speak Up. We’ll help you support them—but the decision about what happens next will always be theirs.
You can also complete our Bystander Intervention eLearning to learn how to step in safely and support others.

What happens after a report is made?

  • We will contact the reporting student (if named) within 3 working days.
  • Our first focus is always on support.
  • If we need to take safeguarding action, we’ll explain why.
  • You can report to the police at any time, even if you’ve also reported to us.

Informal options

Sometimes things can be resolved without a formal process. This might include:
  • talking things through with a trained staff member
  • no-contact arrangements or adjustments
  • a supported conversation or apology (if appropriate).
Submitting a Speak Up can still be resolved informally.

Formal process

If a formal investigation is needed, we’ll follow the student disciplinary procedure , which may include:
  • a trained investigator collecting evidence and speaking to those involved
  • temporary measures (e.g. no-contact arrangements, campus access conditions)
  • a formal outcome or penalty if misconduct is found (e.g. written warning, suspension).
We aim to complete investigations within 90 days and will keep you informed throughout.

If a report is made about you

We understand this can be distressing. If you are named in a report:
  • we’ll explain clearly what the concern is
  • you’ll be given the opportunity to respond
  • you’ll have access to support throughout
  • we’ll keep the process fair and confidential
Refer to the student disciplinary procedure for more information.

Reporting to the police
You can report to the police at any time. This may include:
  • sexual assault
  • physical threats or stalking
  • identity-based hostility (e.g. racism, anti-LGBTQ+ harassment, or disablist abuse)
You can also access a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for medical support and evidence collection—without having to report to police or the University.
Find your nearest SARC
If there is an active police investigation, the University will pause any internal disciplinary process until the police investigation has concluded. This protects both your rights and the integrity of the process. We may still take precautionary measures where needed to ensure safety.

Intimate personal relationships between staff and students
We recognise that intimate or sexual relationships between staff and students can involve a power imbalance—especially where the staff member has responsibilities like teaching, supervision or assessment.
Students will never be penalised for these situations. However, to protect everyone’s wellbeing and avoid conflicts of interest, any staff member in such a relationship is required to disclose it. If they do not, they may be subject to staff disciplinary action.

Freedom of speech and academic freedom

We’re committed to ensuring students can report harassment and sexual misconduct, while also upholding lawful freedom of speech and academic freedom. These principles are not in conflict—we can and do uphold both.
 
 
 
 

Support services

A guide to internal and external support services available to students affected by harassment or sexual misconduct.
Healthcare professional with arm around individual

What support does the University offer?
The University of Plymouth offers a range of support services for students including:
  • Student Wellbeing Services: students can access a wide range of wellbeing resources via the Student Portal. If you feel you need further support then you can complete our simple online referral form which is also available via the Student Portal.
  • Pastoral and spiritual support: drop-in to 1 Kirkby Place between 10:00–16:00 Monday to Friday, for some quiet time or an informal conversation.
  • Speak Up: Students can report incidents using our online reporting tool, which has the option to report anonymously or on behalf of someone else. Once a report has been made, the reporting student (if they give their name) will be contacted within three working days by someone from Student Services.
  • Student Portal.
  • For non-academic queries, perhaps about disability, funding, immigration and anything else, students can contact the Student Hub.
  • For academic queries, perhaps about your studies or applying for extenuating circumstances (ECs), then contact your faculty, tutor or relevant school office.
  • Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Liaison Officers (HSMLOs) - specially trained staff to provide support to students who have experienced harassment or sexual misconduct.
Contact the Student Hub on +44 1752 587676 or studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk for further information about internal support services.

What external support is available?
There are also a range of specialised external support services that anyone can access including:
Further information on support in times of crisis .
 
 
 

How we handle data and information

We’ll treat your data with care and in line with UK data protection law. We’ll only share information with those who need to know to provide support or carry out an investigation.
If you report anonymously, we won’t be able to contact you—but your information still helps us understand what’s happening in our community.
Graphic depicting data science

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs):
Can’t Buy My Silence
We’ve pledged not to use NDAs to silence anyone who raises concerns about harassment, abuse, bullying, or sexual misconduct.

Data collection and publication:
We publish an annual report on harassment and sexual misconduct to track patterns and improve how we respond. Our annual report for academic year 2024/2025 will be published in November 2025.
 
 
 

Training and awareness

We all have a role in creating a safe, respectful university. All students are expected to complete learning modules on:
  • Consent
  • Active Bystander Intervention
You’ll receive access during induction. If you feel this may be distressing, you can opt out and a member of staff will get in touch.
You’ll also see awareness campaigns across the year—like Talk About Sex, Consent Week and Bystander Action Month.

Policies and procedures

Document archive

A list of previous versions of our policy documents.