Staying Safe

Sexual Harassment, Misconduct and Violence. This single comprehensive source of information takes precedent over other sources of information and provisions that may be found on our webpages.

If you are in immediate danger 

On a University of Wolverhampton Campus: 

Alert the Security team using the SafeZone app or call the police on 101 or 999 if it’s an emergency 

The Safe Zone app is a free-to-download application which enhances personal safety at the University of Wolverhampton. In the event of an emergency, location and details can be quickly shared with Security, who will be able to give the right assistance. 

Off Campus: 

If you are off campus, call 999. 

For more information surrounding on campus safety, please visit this link  

The University of Wolverhampton commitment

The University of Wolverhampton (the ‘University’) is committed to providing positive work and study experiences for all our staff, students, apprentice learners and visitors. We will take steps that make a significant and credible difference to achieve this.  

Everyone should feel safe, with us providing an environment that is free from discrimination and affirms the rights of all our members to be treated with dignity and respect. Collective responsibility and a whole University response within the University community is needed to achieve this.   

This resource is designed to offer prospective and current students, and apprentice learners, as well as prospective and current staff, a comprehensive source of information detailing the steps we are taking as a university to prevent sexual harassment, misconduct and violence. It also aims to increase confidence and assurance for those who are affected by setting out the steps we take to respond to and support those effected by sexual harassment, misconduct and violence.  

Aligned core University values

we are imaginative, confident, innovative and deliver excellence.

we have a positive outlook; we are adaptable and recover from setbacks. 

we are welcoming, respectful, collegiate and supportive.

we take pride in what we do and how we do it, take responsibility for our actions and operate with transparency and integrity.

Content and Definitions

 
Related Policies  

The Policy and Frameworks covering sexual harassment and misconduct apply to all alleged incidents, disclosed or reported, of Sexual Misconduct and/or Harassment. The University Safeguarding Policy will also apply if the reporting person is under 18 or a vulnerable adult.   

 This Policy and Frameworks does not cover incidents of non-sexual harassment as the University has a separate policy, dignity at work and study policy, and procedure in relation to those matters.   

 The university has a Personal Relationships Policy which should be read in conjunction with our Policy and Frameworks covering sexual harassment and misconduct .     

 Our Policy and Frameworks covering sexual harassment and misconduct should be read in conjunction with the university EDI policy and associated resources and schemes.   

 The University is committed to the highest standards of integrity, probity, and accountability. It seeks to conduct its affairs in a responsible manner, considering the proper use of public funds, the requirements of its funding bodies, and the standards required in public life, the ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’ (Nolan Principles). 

 The University will act honestly, ethically, transparently, and within the law. The University is committed to providing a safe environment for students, apprentices, staff and visitors, and adopts a zero-tolerance approach to behaviours which relate to suspected wrongdoing or dangers at work, without exception.   

 All policies can be located via the University Policy Hub: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/wlv-policies/ 

 

Freedom of Speech    

Our approach to Sexual Harassment and Misconduct – Prevention, Response and Intervention and any associated policies should be read in conjunction with the University Freedom of Speech Code of Practice. Freedom of speech means that everyone has the right to express lawful views and opinions freely, in speech or in writing, without interference.    

A healthy academic environment is one where debate is positively encouraged, where a wide range of ideas can be considered and examined both in the academic curriculum and in the wider life of the University.   

Freedom of speech within the law is protected. This means that speech will not be protected if it contravenes some other law. Illegal or unlawful acts will not be tolerated by the university.   

Hate speech is communication that attacks or demeans individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, religion, or gender. While free speech is a fundamental right, it is not absolute and can be restricted when it incites violence, discrimination, or poses a threat to others.    

The University has a duty to protect its staff, students and apprentice learners from unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or threats of violence on the grounds of race, sex, age, religion or philosophical belief, sexual orientation, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, or pregnancy or maternity.    

However, the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 should not be interpreted to undermine freedom of speech and academic freedom. As a result, there are likely to be elements of the academic and work environment of the University which could include exposure to views that some may find offensive.     

Therefore, the freedom of speech principles underpinning this framework include a rebuttable presumption that the university assumes that the exposure of colleagues, students and apprentice learners to course materials, and statements made, and views expressed by a person as part of teaching, research or discussions about any subject matter connected with the content of a course, are unlikely to constitute harassment.