Over the last few months, colleagues from across the institution have undertaken a substantial review of our policies and procedures addressing student complaint and disciplinary issues and our Dignity and Respect Policy and Procedure, which relates to both staff and students.

These new policies and procedures draw on sector guidance and best-practice, extensive consultation with key stakeholders including the Students’ Union, and lessons learned from across the sector as Universities face increased scrutiny in this area. They focus on standardising and simplifying process, providing greater clarity and transparency at each stage, and most importantly providing a fairer and more supportive experience for students and staff.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) Peter Lambert says: 'This was a highly complex and important piece of work which greatly benefitted from the efforts, input and insight of staff and students across the institution as we developed our new approach. As an institution we have a duty to protect and support all members of our community, and these new policies and procedures will enable us to do so in a more supportive and effective way'.

Alisha Lobo, SU Community Officers says: ‘This review of the complaints and disciplinary procedures is an excellent step forward for the University and we are proud to have worked with the University on it. This change is something that the Students’ Union has persistently been calling for and is long overdue. In particular, ensuring that parties are supported throughout their process of reporting is essential for the further progress and development of the #NeverOK campaign. We will continue to work with the University closely as these new procedures and policies are implemented to ensure appropriate monitoring and transparency moving forward'.

We will be looking for members of University staff (from academic and professional services) to act as Disciplinary Committee Members. You can find more information through the role specification and person specification. If you are interested in being considered for this important University position, please submit a brief (under 100 words) expression of interest to Laura Weeks lw926@bath.ac.uk outlining why you are interested in the role, and any relevant experience by the 25th October.

This suite of policies represents a step-change in how the University of Bath handles complaints and disciplinary cases and place robustness, fairness, and student and staff wellbeing at their heart.