UCU considers sexual harassment and the victimisation of those who make complaints about sexual harassment as a labour issue which often arises because of power imbalances at work. Sexual harassment is defined in the Equality Act 2010 as ‘unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment’. It includes unwelcome advances or physical contact, lewd gestures and derogatory comments.
The University is also committed to making the workplace a safe place and has a reporting process and support services.
If you worried about sexual harassment at work, would like advice about stopping it and/or help and support with reporting, please contact Ruth Kinna or Marco Pino. You can talk to us in confidence, even if you are unsure about making a formal report.
University Information
- The University’s main information hub is at: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/equity-diversity-inclusion/harassment-sexual-misconduct/
- A step-by-step guide to reporting is available at: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/equity-diversity-inclusion/harassment-sexual-misconduct/reporting-pathways/ (there’s a link from the hub)
- Information about the support the University provides is at: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/equity-diversity-inclusion/harassment-sexual-misconduct/support/
- The University’s policy is set out here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/hr/topics/sexual-harassment-violence-and-misconduct-policy/