At Oxford Brookes we believe people flourish in a culture of respect and support, where we celebrate difference and thrive on each other’s success. We are proud of the diversity of the University community and seek to ensure that each individual is treated with dignity and respect, feels able to be themselves and is empowered to participate fully in the life of the University.
Harassment and bullying, are never acceptable and the University takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harassment, bullying and victimisation. All members of the university community should feel able to recognise and, where necessary, complain about harassment and bullying with confidence that their concerns will be treated seriously and investigated promptly and fairly. The Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy outlines the behaviours expected of our students, staff and visitors and explains how staff and students who feel they have been subject to harassment or bullying can raise a complaint.
Sources of advice and support are given in the appendices to the Policy. However, we have network of Staff Harassment Advisers (SHAs) who have volunteered to provide an information service to staff who feel they are experiencing unwanted behaviour as well as staff who have been accused of inappropriate behaviour. SHAs offer an impartial, confidential, listening ear and can help clarify possible courses of action and explain University procedures.
SHAs are drawn from a variety of areas and roles across the University and have received appropriate training. They work on a cross-University basis so if you need to speak to someone, it’s not necessary to contact someone from your own faculty or directorate. You can contact one of the Staff Harassment Advisers directly in confidence.
Students who feel they have been subjected to harassment or bullying may contact Wellbeing Advisers and/or counsellors, the Student Welfare Manager and/or the Head of Wellbeing in the first instance.