This page summarises West Dean’s policies and procedures on Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct. The College is committed to creating a safe environment in which the rights and dignity of all members of the school community are valued and respected, in line with the OfS Condition of Registration.
Sexual misconduct is defined as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This includes, but is not limited to:
Sexual misconduct can occur:
At any point during their studies, a student may disclose an experience of sexual misconduct. Disclosure and reporting are separate actions that the Reporting Party may choose to take. Following a disclosure, the Reporting Party will be offered support and guided through the options for reporting formally, either to the College and/or the police.
The Incident Disclosure Form can be used for students to disclose any incidents of bullying, discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. Students can use this form anonymously or provide contact details should they wish to receive confidential advice and support. Anonymous reporting will be considered and acted upon where possible, though the College’s ability to investigate will be limited.
To make a formal report to the College, the Reporting Party should complete the Formal Incident Reporting Form including a written statement of the allegation, which is submitted to the Academic Registrar. This will then initiate an investigation process under the Student Code of Conduct.
The College is committed to supporting both sexual misconduct survivors (reporting students) and those accused of sexual misconduct (reported students) and in all cases they will be able to access support from trained staff. Support will be available to reporting students regardless of whether they chose to make a formal report.
Appropriate support will be targeted at the individual needs of the students and will be provided from the initial report and throughout any resulting processes including during an investigation and/or the decision-making process.
Dedicated staff will provide appropriate support to students including, but not limited to:
If the student chooses to make a formal report of sexual misconduct, this will initiate an investigation. They are considered through our internal disciplinary procedures as outlined in the Sexual Misconduct Procedure and the Student Code of Conduct.
The Sexual Misconduct Procedure sets out the principles of investigation, including how allegations will be investigated fairly, including timescales, stages, and appeal provisions.
The College will take all reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality and privacy of those who disclose harassment and sexual misconduct. However, there may be situations (e.g. to protect an individual at risk) where we are required to share information with other parties or internally, in the best interest of the individual.
Further details about confidentiality and information sharing are provided in the Sexual Misconduct Policy.
The College communicates clearly with relevant parties, verbally and in writing, about the investigatory process, decision-making process, associated timescales, and factors which may impact on timescales. This is detailed within the Student Code of Conduct and the Sexual Misconduct Procedures.
Overview of timelines (further detail in the Student Code of Conduct):
Timelines for the appeals process are also listed under the Student Code of Conduct.
West Dean College implements a training strategy to support staff in responding effectively to different types of sexual misconduct incidents. All staff receive training in relation to harassment and sexual misconduct, college policies and where to find them, and freedom of speech principles.
The College requires all students to engage in training to ensure they are also appropriately informed of the policies and procedures relating to sexual misconduct and behaviours that may constitute harassment or sexual misconduct. This mandatory training will be provided for students to complete before starting their studies West Dean College.
We are committed to protecting students from any actual or potential conflict of interest and/or abuse of power that may arise from intimate personal relationships with staff. West Dean College prohibits intimate or close personal relationships between staff and students and comprehensive guidance for staff can be found in the Staff Code of Conduct.