This week marks the start of a new collaboration to enhance the safety of our community.
Speak Up will focus on the awareness and prevention of bullying and harassment in all its forms, including sexual harassment.
With Speak Up, the University and the Students’ Union combine forces to equip colleagues and students with knowledge about what they can do in these situations and what to do where they need to speak up as an active bystander.
Universities also have a legal duty to protect our community from sexual harassment.
The Speak Up campaign will also highlight relevant training or other support materials, including free-to-view videos available for UON staff and students from our partner Consent Collective and what to do if you need to report sexual harassment, harassment or bullying, whether informally or formally.
Students can report instances of harassment using the form on the UON website; there is advice and guidance on the Student Hub and the Students’ Union website.
Harassment topics to be explored during Speak Up for this academic year include:
- Respect and boundaries
- Bullying and harassment
- Sexual harassment
- Speaking up and reporting
- Stalking.
Becky Bradshaw, Interim Vice Chancellor, said: “Keeping our community safe is of key importance for the University. With harassment, we continue to take a proactive, harm reduction and awareness approach.
“Aside from the moral imperative to raise awareness and address incidences of harassment, there is an increased legal responsibility on employers such as universities to do all they can in this area. We hope you take a little time to engage with the materials we will share throughout the academic year.”
Roger Weston, CEO of the Students’ Union, said: “Every student deserves to feel safe, respected and able to be themselves at university.
“Through the Speak Up campaign, we’re working together with the University of Northampton to encourage students to challenge unacceptable behaviour, support one another and help build a community where everyone can thrive.”
There is more information, including how to report incidences of harassment, on our website, where you can also hear more from Becky and Anya from the SU in this short video.