Results Consortium is committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We do not tolerate any form of sexual harassment or misconduct. This page brings together all the information you need to understand, report and access support around sexual harassment and misconduct at Results Consortium. You do not have to make a formal complaint to receive support. For further information, please refer Results Consortium’s Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy

https://www.resultsco.org.uk/sexual-harassment-and-misconduct-policy

What Is Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct?

Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates someone’s dignity or creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment. Sexual misconduct is a broader term that includes any sexual behaviour that is inappropriate, abusive or harmful, including sexual assault, coercion, stalking, or non-consensual sharing of images. These behaviours are unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.

Expectations and Standards

Intimate Personal Relationships

Results Consortium prohibits intimate or sexual relationships between staff and students, due to the inherent power imbalance and risks to fairness, trust and integrity. All existing relationships must be declared to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place. Breaching this policy will lead to disciplinary action. For further information, refer to Section 5: Staff–Student Personal Relationships in the Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy

https://www.resultsco.org.uk/sexual-harassment-and-misconduct-policy

Freedom of Speech Principles

We support lawful freedom of speech and academic freedom. Staff and students are free to explore, discuss and challenge ideas in a respectful and relevant academic context.

However, this freedom does not justify discrimination, harassment, or misconduct. Content that is not relevant to the academic setting or is used to target individuals will be addressed in line with our policies. For further information, refer to Section 11: Safeguards for Academic Expression in the Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy

https://www.resultsco.org.uk/sexual-harassment-and-misconduct-policy

Protection Against Retaliation

Protection Against Retaliation We do not tolerate any retaliation against anyone involved in a report or investigation. This includes exclusion, threats, pressure to withdraw a complaint, or unfair treatment. Any retaliation will be treated as a disciplinary offence.

Ways to Report or Seek Help

If you have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or misconduct, there are several ways to report it or seek support. We understand that speaking up can be difficult, and you are not required to make a formal complaint to access help. You can choose the option that feels safest and most appropriate for you. Below are four distinct pathways. You can:

1. Make an anonymous disclosure

Tell us what happened without starting a formal process. Submit an anonymous disclosure. You can share your experience anonymously (without giving your name) or provide your name. Either way, you will not start a formal investigation unless you choose to. This allows us to monitor trends and improve safety even if no formal action is taken.

Speak confidentially with a member of the student Welfare and Support Team or HR (for staff).

What this is:

• A way to share your experience with us
• Can be done anonymously or with your name
• Helps us understand patterns and risks

What this is not:

• It does not start a formal complaint or investigation
• It does not start a formal complaint or investigation

How to disclose:

Speak in confidence with Student Welfare and Support Team welfare@resultsco.org.uk

Speak in confidence with HR hr@resultsco.org.uk

For urgent safeguarding concerns, contact: safeguarding@resultsco.org.uk

What happens next:

• Your disclosure will be recorded and reviewed
• If we identify a serious risk, we will act to protect others
• You can choose to access support or make a formal complaint later

2. Informal Resolution Process

If you have experienced sexual harassment or misconduct but do not wish to make a formal complaint, informal resolution may be available. This process is voluntary, non-disciplinary and guided by your preferences. You will not be required to meet or confront the other person unless you choose to Informal resolution is only offered when appropriate and safe to do so. It is not used in cases involving serious allegations such as sexual assault, repeated harassment, or significant power imbalances.

What this is:

• A voluntary way to address concerns without a formal complaint
• Guided by the affected person’s preferences
• May include mediated conversations, no-contact agreements or boundary setting

What this is not:

• It is not suitable for serious or criminal cases (e.g. sexual assault or coercion)
• It does not involve a formal investigation or disciplinary decision
• It is not imposed: both parties must agree

How to access informal resolution:

• Speak to your Personal Tutor (students)
• Contact the Student Welfare and Support Team welfare@resultsco.org.uk
• Speak with the Designated Safeguarding Lead safeguarding@resultsco.org.uk
• Speak to HR or your Line Manager (staff) hr@resultsco.org.uk

These are support conversations, not disciplinary procedures. You will not be required to confront the other party unless you wish to

What happens next:

• An advisor will listen to your concerns and explain your options
• Informal steps will only be taken with your agreement
• If there is a serious safeguarding risk, we will act to protect others
• Any action will be proportionate and, where possible, discussed with you in advance

If you’re not sure whether informal resolution is right for you, a confidential advisor can help you decide.

3. Make a Formal Complaint

If you wish to request a formal investigation, you will be supported throughout the process. You may withdraw from the process at any time.

You can make a formal complaint if you are a student, member of staff or third party (such as a visitor, contractor or alumni). Support is available regardless of when or where the incident took place and whether or not it involved someone at the College.
We will respond sensitively, explain the process clearly and prioritise your safety and wellbeing.
All cases involving sexual harassment and misconduct are triaged by Results Consortium and managed as follows:

• Lower-level concerns, including those suitable for early intervention or informal resolution, are handled internally by us in line with existing processes.
• Serious or complex cases are escalated to the relevant awarding partner (e.g. Leeds Trinity University and Plymouth Marjon University) and are investigated in accordance with their own policies and student conduct frameworks.

• If your case is escalated to an awarding partner, we will explain why and support you throughout the process
• You will be told who is managing your case and which procedures apply

What this is:

• A formal process to investigate the incident
• You will be supported throughout
• You may withdraw at any stage

What this is not:

• It is not anonymous. Both parties will be informed
• It requires a written or verbal account of the incident

How to make a complaint:

• Submit a formal complaint

• Speak to Student Welfare and Support welfare@resultsco.org.uk
• Speak to HR (staff) hr@resultsco.org.uk
• Speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead safeguarding@resultsco.org.uk

What happens next:

• You will have the opportunity to review your statement before it is shared with the other party
• An investigator will be appointed
• Protective measures may be introduced
• Both parties are informed and interviewed
• A decision is made and communicated to you
• You will be given information on the outcome and appeals
• If you are unsure which route is right for you, start by speaking with a confidential advisor

Investigation Steps

If you make a formal complaint, the following process will apply:

1. A lead investigator is appointed (HR for staff and DSL for students)
2. Safeguarding checks and protective measures are considered
3. Both parties are notified in writing about the process and investigator
4. Evidence is gathered, including interviews and documents
5. A decision is made based on all available evidenced
6. Outcomes and any actions are communicated to both parties
7. Appeals must be submitted within 10 working days

Investigations aim to conclude within 30 working days. Updates are provided if delays occur.

Interim Protective Measures

• No-contact agreements
• Timetable or supervision changes
• Temporary remote study or work
• Support for both the person reporting and the person accused These measures are reviewed regularly and adapted as needed.

Complaint Outcomes

Those who make a report will be informed of the result and whether protective actions or sanctions were taken. While we aim to share as much information as possible, there may be limits due to privacy rules. Everyone is expected to maintain confidentiality.

Submit a formal complaint here

For urgent safeguarding concerns, please contact:
The Designated Safeguarding Lead safeguarding@resultsco.org.uk

4. Request Support

We are committed to supporting anyone affected by sexual harassment or misconduct. This includes:

• Students
• Staff
• Third parties, such as visitors or contractors
• Person accused of sexual harassment or misconduct

Support is available for anyone who needs help but is not ready or does not wish to report or complain.

What this is:

• Confidential support from trained staff
• Available to students, staff and third parties
• You do not need to prove what happened

What this is not:

• It is not a complaint or report
• No investigation or disciplinary action is triggered

How to request support:

• Speak to a tutor
• Contact Student Welfare and Support welfare@resultsco.org.uk
• Contact HR hr@resultsco.org.uk
• Contact Designated Safeguarding Lead safeguarding@resultsco.org.uk

Support available:

• Mental health and counselling
• Academic adjustments or extensions
• Safeguarding advice and safety planning
• Advice on next steps or reporting options

External Specialist Support

The following national support services are available for those affected by sexual violence and related issues:

Sexual Violence & Abuse Support

• Rape Crisis England & Wales: Support for women and girls affected by sexual violence. www.rapecrisis.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 500 2222
• SurvivorsUK: Support for men, boys and non-binary people affected by sexual violence. www.survivorsuk.org | Helpline: 020 3322 1860
• The Survivors Trust: Directory of specialist rape and sexual abuse services across the UK. www.thesurvivorstrust.org | Helpline: 08088 010818
• Revenge Porn Helpline: Advice and support for victims of non-consensual sharing of intimate images. www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk | Helpline: 0345 6000 459

Bullying, Harassment & Emotional Support

• National Bullying Helpline: Advice on bullying and harassment in any setting. www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk | Helpline: 0300 323 0169
• SupportLine: Confidential emotional support on any abuse-related issue. www.supportline.org.uk | Helpline: 01708 765200
• Samaritans: 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis. www.samaritans.org | Helpline: 116 123
• Mind: Mental health support and information. www.mind.org.uk | Infoline: 0300 123 3393
• NHS Self-Help Guides: Free mental health and wellbeing resources. www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters

Legal Support & Advocacy

• Rights of Women: Free, confidential legal advice on sexual violence, harassment, and family law issues. www.rightsofwomen.org.uk | Helpline: 020 7251 8887
• Victim Support: Emotional and practical support for victims of crime, including legal advice and advocacy. www.victimsupport.org.uk | Helpline: 08 08 16 89 111
• Citizens Advice: Free, independent advice on your rights, the law, and legal processes. www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Support for those worried about their own behaviour

• Respect: Support for those worried about their own abusive or harmful behaviour. www.respect.uk.net | Helpline: 0808 802 4040

Training and Awareness

We are committed to promoting a safe, respectful and inclusive academic and professional environment. As part of this commitment, all staff and students are required to complete training on sexual harassment and misconduct awareness.

Student Training

All students must complete training designed to build awareness and confidence around recognising, responding to and helping prevent sexual harassment and misconduct. The training will cover:

• What constitutes sexual harassment and sexual misconduct
• How such behaviours may present in academic, digital or social settings
• Consent, boundaries and respectful relationships
• The impact of harassment on individuals and communities
• How to access support, make a disclosure or report concerns
• Bystander intervention strategies
• Institutional responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and OfS Condition E6

Training is delivered through:

• Online induction modules
• Interactive workshops

Staff Training

All staff are required to complete mandatory training. This includes:

• Introduction to OfS Condition E6
• Sexual Harassment in Higher Education
• Bystander Awareness
• Disclosure Handling
• Freedom of Speech

Completion of this training is mandatory and monitored.
Additional role-specific training is provided for safeguarding leads, academic supervisors and line managers. Specialist training such as how to conduct investigations and the SVLO Managers’ Workshop is also available for designated staff involved in case management or disclosures.

This training ensures that all staff understand their responsibilities and are equipped to create a safe and supportive environment.

Further Support

• Student Welfare and Support Team: for counselling, academic advice and pastoral support welfare@resultsco.org.uk
• HR: for staff-specific cases and employment support hr@resultsco.org.uk
• DSL: for urgent concerns and referrals safeguarding@resultsco.org.uk