Wera Hobhouse MP visited the University of Bath on Friday 24 April, bringing a national focus to the city’s collaborative work to tackle online harms, improve student safety, and address violence against women and girls.
Meeting staff, students and partners from across Bath, the Bath MP explored how research and cross-institution partnerships are driving practical action to keep students safe, both online and in the community.
Research-led actions
The visit began with a tour of the University’s Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour (IDSB) where she heard from researchers with the Bath Policing Academic Centre of Excellence (P-ACE) who are developing evidence-led responses to challenges including online abuse, radicalisation, and technology-led harm.
At IDSB, projects examine how online harms emerge and spread, using social media data to understand radicalisation, conspiracy theories, and pathways into extremism. Researchers are also designing safer digital environments, encouraging positive bystander behaviour, and exploring how online spaces shape wellbeing.
IDSB researchers are also working with police forces and victim-support organisations through the Safer Streets programme, to strengthen prevention of anti-social behaviour, violence, and sexual offences.
P-ACE complements this work by bringing together around 70 academics from across disciplines with policing partners at local and national level. As part of a UK-wide network co-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Centre is developing practical, evidence-based solutions to emerging policing challenges.
Professor Adam Joinson said: “Researchers at the Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour were able to showcase our latest research on how we can use data to drive resources to counter anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls, as well as our work on how toxic environments online can pose a threat to young women. We look forward to working with Wera on ways to make our digital world a safer place for all people."
Enhancing student safety
A roundtable discussion on student safety, chaired by Professor Cassie Wilson (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Student Experience & Sport), brought together representatives from Bath Spa University, Bath College, Norland, local Students’ Unions and the Student Community Partnership.
Discussions focused on shared priorities including tackling online risks, preventing harassment and abuse, and strengthening support for students across the city.
The Student Community Partnership remains central to this work, bringing together education providers and local partners to improve student wellbeing and community relations. Established as Bath’s student population has grown, it is now recognised as a model for co-ordinated, place-based collaboration.
Professor Cassie Wilson added: “It was a pleasure to welcome Wera Hobhouse MP, her team and partners from across the city to campus for a session focused on enhancing student safety.
“Our longstanding partnership across the two universities, Bath College, Norland and the Students’ Unions with Bath & North East Somerset Council – underpinned by the activities of the Student Community Partnership - is key to responding to the evolving challenges that come with a vibrant student community.
“Together there’s a shared commitment to ensuring all our students feel safe in every aspect of their lives, both in person and online, with initiatives such as #NeverOK helping to drive a joined-up, proactive approach to tackling harassment and abuse.
"Continued collaboration across our institutions is key to building on this progress, and Wera’s visit was a valuable opportunity to shine a national spotlight on the collective work underway in Bath - work we hope others will look to as a model for effective partnership.”
State of Disappearance
The visit concluded with a tour of the University’s State of Disappearance exhibition, led by Artistic Engagement and Impact Research Fellow Chantal Meza and Professor Brad Evans. The exhibition highlights the human impact of people going missing due to conflict and violence worldwide, including the disproportionate effects on women and girls.
Speaking after the visit, Wera Hobhouse MP said: “I really valued the visit to the University of Bath. It was so informative and wide-ranging, covering important work the University is undertaking on digital security, online safety, student wellbeing, and even the human tragedy of people missing due to conflict and violence.
"I was particularly impressed by the strong collaboration across Bath’s universities and colleges, shown through the Student Community Partnership. It's really heartening to see that amid all these new challenges to student safety, including the ever-changing online environment, these institutions are working together collaboratively and effectively to protect young people across the city.”