Harassment and sexual misconduct

About

SOAS is a compassionate community, committed to creating a safe environment that respects and embraces our individual differences. 

The University does not tolerate bullying, harassment, victimisation, hate or sexual misconduct within our community. It is our priority to ensure that every student and staff member is protected from harassment and sexual misconduct, and we are actively putting in place effective safeguards and preventative measures to ensure there is a clear understanding of what is considered harassment and sexual misconduct. 

Where harassment or sexual misconduct is reported, we have support for individuals who have experienced and robust procedures to address the misconduct. 

Definitions

We follow the meaning for 'Harassment' as per the following legislation: 

  • Section 26 of the Equality Act 2010: ‘harassment, including sexual harassment, includes unwanted behaviour or conduct which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment because of, or connected to, one or more of the following protected characteristics: age; disability; gender reassignment; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation.’ 
  • Section 1 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997: ‘a course of conduct conducted on at least two occasions that harasses one other person, or a course of conduct that harasses two or more persons at least once each. References to harassing a person include alarming the person or causing the person distress.’ 

We define 'Sexual misconduct' as any unwanted or attempted unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • sexual harassment 
  • sexual assault; and 
  • rape

Support for staff and students

  • The campus safety team run regular campus safety events on topics that bring awareness on how individuals can keep safe, which are often delivered alongside campaigns led by Camden Police. Recent topics have included drink-spiking awareness, late-night welfare, and general campus safety.   
  • The Student Advice and Wellbeing Team acts as a key point of contact for students requiring advice or support on matters relating to sexual harassment and misconduct, through student support officers, and external support through rape crisis, and therapists.    
  • The Employee Assistance Programme provides services to staff that support their physical and mental wellbeing 
  • HR support via the Employee Advice Programme provides services to staff that support the physical and mental wellbeing of staff are in place  
  • A women’s safety network brings staff together to discuss issues and identify solutions 
  • Female safety officers are available on campus 24/7 
  • We expect our student accommodation providers to have policies and procedures to prevent and manage cases of Sexual Harassment / Misconduct and Domestic Violence  
  • A training plan underway to upskill senior staff members to undertake internal investigations, of which may include those relating to sexual harassment / misconduct. 

Support

If you have experienced or witnessed a situation of harassment or sexual misconduct, or accused of allegations relating to harassment or sexual misconduct, we would encourage you to seek support from any of the services listed below 

Whatever your circumstances, the University offers confidential guidance, wellbeing resources, and process support to help you navigate each stage fairly and with care. 

  • Your Academic Adviser, Supervisor or Departmental Tutor 
  • College Dean or Head of Department  
  • Student Advice and Wellbeing Team - Available Monday – Friday on 020 7074 5015 or at studentadviceandwellbeing@soas.ac.uk or Lower Ground Floor, Paul Webley Wing 
  • Out of hours, students can contact our student assistance programme on 0800 0318227 for  in the moment support at any time of the day or night. 
  • Pastoral Support Staff in student accommodation  
  • The Human Resources Directorate, or dedicated HR Partner. 
  • the SOAS Student Union 
  • Spectrum Life (Employee Advice Service for staff available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by phone and online):  
  • Online: Spectrum.Life 
    • By phone: Freephone UK: 0808 196 2016 
    • WhatsApp: Text 'Hi' to 0044 7700185685 

External contacts

Report

How to report 

We encourage individuals to seek support and to bring forward their concerns if they feel they are able to without compromising their safety.  You can report concerns (anonymously if necessary) relating to Harassment and Sexual Misconduct through our Report and Support portal, and this will be responded to the appropriate team within SOAS. 

Staff may also consider raising concerns under the Grievance Procedure [link to policy on SOAS website policy page] 

Fair, timely and trauma-informed investigations 

We will ensure that any concerns that are raised are investigated promptly and fairly with the support of trained staff or external investigators, with sensitivity to reduce further harm. 

Separate procedures apply for students and staff, with no use of non-disclosure agreements in harassment or sexual misconduct cases. 

Sensitive handling of information 

Information from reports is shared strictly on a need-to-know basis, respecting privacy and data protection laws. Precautionary measures, such as no-contact orders or schedule changes, can be implemented during investigations.  

On occasion it may be necessary for a risk assessment to be conducted based on the  seriousness of the allegations brought forward, and if the safety of the individual is at risk there may need to be a need to release information to the Police or other third party to ensure the safety of individuals involved. 

We would seek the consent of the individual concerned before making contact  

Keeping individuals informed 

We provide updates on investigation outcomes to involved parties as far as legally possible, ensuring transparency while respecting confidentiality.