8868_Student Handbook 2026-27_Web Accessbile - Flipbook - Page 25
Student Handbook 2026-2027
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Harassment
Harassment is defined in the Equality Act 2010 as:
Unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected
characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating
an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile,
degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for
that individual.
Some examples of harassment include (but are not limited to):
• Offensive or derogatory remarks, gossip or jokes.
• Obscene gestures or language.
• The display or electronic transmission of offensive pictures
graffiti or other visual material.
• Physical contact (ranging from touching to serious assault),
to which a person has not consented, or which they have not
been given the opportunity to reject.
• Intrusion by pestering, including through the use of text
messaging, email or other telecommunications.
• Following, stalking or spying on people.
• Pressing people to accept unwelcome invitations.
• Obtaining sexual or other favours through threats or by
making promises.
• Isolation or non-cooperation and exclusion from
social activities.
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct relates to all unwanted conduct of a
sexual nature. This includes, but not limited to:
• Sexual harassment (as defined by Section 26 (2) of the
Equality Act 2010).
• Assault (as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003).
• Rape (as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003).
• Physical unwanted sexual advances (as set out by the
Equality and Human Rights Commission: Sexual harassment
and the law, 2017).
• Intimidation, or promising resources or benefits in return for
sexual favours.
• Distributing private and personal explicit images or footage
of an individual without their consent (as defined by the
Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015).
Victimisation
Victimisation occurs when someone is treated badly
because they have made or supported a complaint
about discrimination or harassment, or because
an individual thinks that they are doing or may do
these things.
Some examples of victimisation include:
• Excluding someone from social situations
following a complaint or rumour.
• Denying someone the opportunity to participate
in a project, social event or apply for a placement
opportunity because they are perceived to be
a ‘troublemaker’.
• Lowering a student’s assessment results because
they have made or supported a complaint.
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