It is one of over 60 projects in universities and colleges across the country addressing sexual harassment and violence to have received funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
The project will be based on a student-led approach and will aim to actively encourage respectful behaviour, empower students to challenge bad behaviours and increase the reporting of incidents.
Training will be provided for staff to ensure they are confident and able to effectively respond to any allegations of harassment or sexual violence. A number of support mechanisms will be developed for students on placement.
This grant, match-funded by the University, will enable Bath to build upon its previous work, piloting innovative new approaches, benefitting not only students but the wider university community.
Director of Student Services, Anthony Payne, said: “This new project will allow us to build upon the good work we are already doing to address sexual harassment and violence. No-one should suffer this sort of harassment and this funding offers us an exciting opportunity to improve the wellbeing of our students.”
Students’ Union President Lucy Woodcock added: “Fostering a safe and supportive environment in which students respect one another and can thrive is of paramount importance to us at the Students’ Union. I’m delighted that we’ve been awarded this HEFCE funding and look forward to working with the University on this project.”
HEFCE Chief Executive, Professor Madeleine Atkins, said: “All students should feel safe and supported during their time in higher education. Universities and colleges are working hard to tackle issues of sexual harassment and violence on campus, but there is more to be done.”
The University and the Students’ Union have a zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and violence and this project aligns closely with the University Education Strategy 2016-21 which recognises that our strengths in education derive from ‘a sense of belonging which brings together our staff and students in a secure, mutually-supportive and respectful community’.