The Working Group consists of relevant members of staff from Bath Spa University, the University of Bath, UWE Bristol and University of Bristol, joined by their respective Student Unions and local specialist agencies, such as The Bridge and members of Avon and Somerset Police.
The Joint forum hold meetings throughout the year to share best practice and ideas in providing support, reporting mechanisms and preventative measures relating to sexual violence and sexual harassment, both within the university communities and more generally in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset regions.
The Joint forum work on a set of principles articulated in the joint statement below.
The Vice-Chancellors from each of the Universities, and The Students’ Unions’ Presidents and Officers commit to the following:
- We will work to ensure our staff take a person-centred approach to support students affected by sexual violence or harassment. You will be heard, listened to, and supported by your University and Students’ Union.
- Sexual violence and harassment will not be tolerated by the Universities or Students’ Unions.
- We will raise awareness of appropriate support and organisations to aid the recovery of students that have been affected by sexual violence and harassment.
- Students will be supported to report sexual violence or harassment should they wish to do so. This includes through external organisations.
- We will work together across the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, University of Bristol and UWE Bristol where cases include individuals from different institutions.
- We will provide our staff and students with the tools to speak up and address inappropriate behaviour by providing training, accessible online resources and clear reporting channels.
- The Universities and the Students’ Unions will actively work locally with external organisations to address sexual violence and harassment.
- We will work preventatively to help students understand consent and will take an educative approach to tackling sexual violence and harassment.
- We understand that certain groups are more at risk of sexual violence and harassment. We will take an intersectional approach to support.
- We will ensure that our policies and procedures are aligned to support this pledge.