Event Summary

We are pleased to announce that Westminster Insight’s Protecting Students from Harassment and Sexual Misconduct in Higher Education Conference will be coming to London on Thursday 27th February next year.

From 1st August 2025 all universities and colleges will be required to meet a new condition of registration on harassment and sexual misconduct.

In preparation for the new regulations, now is the time for higher education providers to update their policies and processes to better protect students and deal with incidents effectively.

As we await the results of the Office for Students (OfS), national sexual misconduct pilot survey (closing in April 2025), join us to get to grips with your legal responsibilities and examine your duty of care to students and staff.

We will share best practice from across the sector, with a deep dive into key issues including:

  • Engaging with students and staff
  • Prevention strategies and protecting students – what works?
  • Communicating policies and procedures effectively
  • Developing strong training and awareness initiatives
  • Providing targeted support for students

Hear practical insights on how to provide holistic support for students, on and off campus, through strong partnership working.

Join us face to face in Central London to strengthen your approach to tackling harassment and sexual misconduct, improve accountability, and make your university a safer and more supportive place for all.

Key Points

  • Upholding your duty of care: understanding the scope of the new conditions for registration
  • Harassment and sexual misconduct – definitions and legal framework
  • Addressing harassment in all forms including stalking, online harassment, peer-on-peer and by staff members
  • Tackling harassment through an intersectional lens – consideration of misconduct due to age, disability, race, religion and sex
  • Staff – student relationships – measures to protect students from conflicts of interest or abuse of power
  • Upholding freedom of speech principles and the ending of non-disclosure agreements
  • Improving complaint handling: ensuring university students feel safe, supported and listened to
  • Developing training for staff and students – e.g. handling disclosure, potential witnesses of sexual misconduct and consent
  • Implementing fair, clear and accessible reporting procedures
  • Investigating incidents: collecting and handling of sensitive information
  • Creating support pathways and making links with specialist support services

Venue details

In-person: This conference will take place at 20 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0RN.

Attend this full-day event to network, explore new collaborations with colleagues from across the sector, and learn from your peers.