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Dignity at Study

Championing equality and respect to ensure a safe, inclusive university community for all.

If you or another person are at immediate risk of harm, please contact the Police on 999.

Dignity at Study

The University of Greater Manchester is firmly committed to fostering an environment of equality, respect, and inclusivity for all.

Together, we are committed to building a university community where diversity is celebrated, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. We expect all members of our community, including staff and students, to actively contribute to our mission of eliminating unwanted behaviours, and promote equality of opportunity. This includes ensuring equal access to university services, employment opportunities, and support for student welfare and education.

The University has a zero-tolerance approach towards harassment, bullying, discrimination, victimisation, and sexual misconduct in any form. All allegations of such behaviours will be investigated at the request of the person affected, guided by our  Dignity at Study Policy and Procedure, ensuring that appropriate action is taken to address and prevent recurrence.

The University is committed to addressing concerns promptly and fairly. We aim to handle issues impartially and effectively, with sensitivity to all parties involved. Furthermore, the University is committed to protecting individuals from victimisation or retaliation for raising concerns about harassment, bullying, discrimination, or sexual misconduct in good faith. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where all members of our community can learn, work, and thrive without fear of mistreatment or discrimination

Reporting options

If you have experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment, discrimination, victimisation, and/or sexual misconduct involving a member of our University community, we want to ensure you have accessible ways to report it.

Below, you’ll find three reporting options. Please choose the one that feels most appropriate for your situation:

  • Self-report – to report something that has happened to you
  • Report on behalf of someone else – if you’re reporting a concern about another person
  • Anonymous report – if you’d prefer not to share your name or contact details

If you would rather speak to someone in person, you can also report directly to one of our Dignity at Study Champions based within the University’s Student Wellbeing Service, The Life Lounge, Chancellors Building, Eagle Tower, T2.

You are welcome to drop in Monday to Friday, 8:45am – 5:00pm (excluding bank holidays).

If you are a university staff member who has experienced bullying, harassment, victimisation, discrimination and/or sexual misconduct by a member of the university community, please see the university’s Dignity at Work Policy.

Harassment including sexual harassment

Is summarised in the Equality Act 2010, includes sexual harassment, unwanted behaviour or conduct which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment because of, or connected to, one or more of the following protected characteristics: age; disability; gender reassignment; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation.

In addition to the summarised section 1 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 - a course of conduct conducted on at least two occasions that harasses one other person, or a course of conduct that harasses two or more persons at least once each. References to harassing a person include alarming the person or causing the person distress.

These definitions include tests that are designed to establish, objectively and reasonable, whether conduct could be considered harassment.

This requires us to take into account:

  • The perception of the person who is at the receiving end of the conduct
  • The other circumstances of the case
  • whether it is reasonable for the conduct to have the effect under scrutiny.

Under section 1 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, an offence is committed only if:

  • The person knows the conduct amounts to harassment of the other, or
  • A reasonable person in possession of the same information would think the course of conduct amounted to harassment of the other person.

Bullying is characterised by offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behaviour that constitutes an abuse or misuse of power. It is conduct that undermines, humiliates, or injures the person on the receiving end. Whether it takes the form of verbal, physical, or emotional mistreatment, bullying is harmful and unacceptable behaviour within our university community.

victimisation occurs when someone is deliberately treated less favourably than others because they have raised a complaint, formally or informally, regarding bullying, harassment, or discrimination, or have supported someone else in doing so, or have provided evidence in relation to a complaint. This may include isolating the individual as a consequence of their complaint. For instance, if a student reports experiencing racism from another student in their course, and subsequently finds themselves ignored or ostracised by their peers, this would be considered victimisation.

Discrimination refers to the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other protected characteristics.

Associated discrimination occurs when an individual faces direct discrimination or harassment due to their association with another individual who possesses a protected characteristic, excluding marriage and civil partnership. For instance, a student, whose child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, may be excluded from social activities organised by their peers out of concerns regarding the child's behaviour. Perceptive discrimination, on the other hand, involves direct discrimination or harassment based on a perception that an individual possesses a particular protected characteristic, even if they do not actually possess that characteristic, excluding marriage and civil partnership.

For example, a student may refuse to collaborate on a group assignment with another student based on the belief that the student is gay, regardless of the actual sexual orientation of the individual.

Sexual misconduct encompasses all forms of unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This includes, but is not limited to:

Sexual harassment, as defined by Section 26(2) of the Equality Act 2010. Unwanted conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment, as defined by the Equality Act 2010.

Assault, as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Rape, as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Physical unwanted sexual advances, as outlined by the Equality and Human Rights Commission in "Sexual Harassment and the Law" (2017).

Intimidation, or the offering of resources or benefits in exchange for sexual favours, as outlined by the Equality and Human Rights Commission in "Sexual Harassment and the Law" (2017).

Distributing private and personal explicit images or video footage of an individual without their consent, as defined by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.

It's essential to recognise that any form of sexual misconduct is unacceptable and can have profound and lasting effects on the victim. Therefore, it is crucial to create a safe and supportive environment that promotes respect, dignity, and zero tolerance for such behaviours.

Hate crimes are criminal acts that are motivated by prejudice or hatred towards a particular group of people based on characteristics such as race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. These crimes can take various forms, including physical assault, verbal abuse, harassment, vandalism, or threats.

What distinguishes hate crimes from other criminal acts is the bias or prejudice underlying the perpetrator's actions. Hate crimes not only target individual victims but also aim to intimidate and terrorise entire communities based on their identity or perceived differences.

Hate crimes are considered particularly serious offenses and may carry harsher penalties than similar crimes committed without bias motivation.

The Students’ Union is a Hate Crime Reporting Centre and can be contacted by:

Tel: 01204 900850

Email: info@boltonsu.com

If you have experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment, discrimination, victimisation, and/or sexual misconduct where the person involved is a student, university staff member, visitor or contractor of the university, there are a number of ways you can report this.

You can access the reporting forms using the links at the top of this page, or choose to speak to someone in person.

You have the following reporting options:

Self-Report

For students who want to report an incident that happened to them directly.

Report on Behalf of Someone Else

For those who wish to raise a concern on behalf of a student.

Anonymous Report

For anyone who would like to report something without sharing their name or contact details. Please note, the University cannot follow up or take direct action based on anonymous reports.

If you prefer to speak to someone in person, you can visit the Dignity at Study Champions, who are based within:

The Student Wellbeing Service
The Life Lounge
Chancellors Building, Eagle Tower, T2
Open Monday to Friday, 8:45am – 5:00pm
(excluding bank holidays)

You can also contact the Dignity at Study Champions for further information by:

Telephone: 01204 903566

Email: dignityatstudy@bolton.ac.uk

We are here to listen and support you.

You can find out more about our Dignity at Study Policy and Procedure here

More Information and Advice

The University acknowledges that there are instances where students may prefer not to report an incident directly to the university but still require support. Below is a list of external organisations that students can contact for assistance:

Greater Manchester Police (GMP)

Web: https://www.gmp.police.uk

Tel: 999 (Emergency) or 101 (Non-emergency)

National Bullying Helpline

Information and Advice for anyone dealing with bullying

Web: https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk

Tel: 0300 323 0169 (Helpline) or 0845 225 5784 – Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Stop Hate UK

National organisation working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime

Web: https://stophateuk.org

Victim Support – Free, independent support to help victims of crime

Web: https://victimsupport.org.uk

Tel: 0808 503 9054

St. Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

Comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and aftercare service to men, women and children who have experienced rape or sexual assault

Web: https://stmaryscentre.org

Tel: 0161 276 6515 (24 hours helpline)

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Support Centre

Service for women only who have experienced sexual abuse

Web: https://manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

Tel: 0161 273 4500 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Wednesday and Thursday Evening 6pm to 9pm)

Rape Crisis England

Service for men, boys and non-binary who are survivors of sexual violence that offers counselling and practical support

Web: https://www.survivorsuk.org

Tel: 0161 273 4500 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Wednesday and Thursday Evening 6pm to 9pm)

Survivors UK

Service for men, boys and non-binary who are survivors of sexual violence that offers counselling and practical support

Web: https://www.survivorsuk.org

Tel: 0808 802 9999 (8am to midnight 365 days a year)

These external organisations can provide confidential assistance and guidance tailored to individual needs.

Resources

Support in an Emergency

If you or another person are at immediate risk of harm, please contact the Police on:

  • 999 (Emergencies)
  • 101 (Non-emergency)

If you are on campus and are at immediate risk of harm please also contact security on 01204 903700 or speak with any member of staff advising them you need urgent assistance.

University Support

If you have witnessed or experienced bullying, harassment, victimisation, discrimination or sexual misconduct please speak with a member of University staff or the Students’ Union.

If the perpetrator of these unacceptable behaviours is known to you and is a member of the University community you will be advised on your options on how to report the incident and support that is available

If the perpetrator is not a member of the University community, then support is still available to you. You can also take a look at the ‘Reporting Externally and External Sources of Support’ section above.

For informal advice on the Dignity at Study Policy without/or before making a report you can speak to:

  • Student Advisors, Student Services, Chancellor’s Mall Tel: 01204 903733;
  • The Life Lounge, T2 Eagle Tower Tel 01204 903566 or
  • Students’ Union, Chancellor’s Mall Tel: 01204 900850 – to note the Students’ Union is also a Hate Crime Reporting Centre

You can also speak to your personal tutor or program lead, who will be able to offer you appropriate guidance and signposting information should you wish to report an incident of unwanted behaviour.

Useful Guides

Please see our range of downloadable guides below, designed to help you better understand the University’s Dignity at Study Policy and Procedure, as well as providing clear information about topics such as bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, consent, and online safety. These guides aim to support students in recognising inappropriate and concerning behaviours, and knowing what steps to take if you or someone else is affected.

If you have been affected by bullying, harassment, victimisation, discrimination or sexual misconduct, you don’t have to face it alone.

The University offers a range of support services that can help support your wellbeing. Whether you want to talk to someone confidentially, need mental health support, or just want to understand your options, the following services are here for you:

The Life Lounge Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

Offering free, confidential support to students experiencing a range of mental health and wellbeing difficulties. The Life Lounge offers a range of support services to students including, a Counselling Service, a Mental Health Advisor Service, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Service and a Wellbeing Team. The Life Lounge also offers a relaxation area and sensory room where students can engage in mindful activities, or decompress in a quiet and relaxing space.

You can self-refer to the Life Lounge by completing an online registration form, accessible via the Life Lounge webpage here- https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/registration/life-lounge or via the MyBolton App: Health and Wellbeing tile.

You can contact the Life Lounge by:

Telephone: 01204 903566

Email: lifelounge@bolton.ac.uk

Webpage: https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/student-life/student-support/life-lounge

In person: Chancellors Building, Eagle Tower, T2.

Chaplaincy and Multifaith Service:

The University’s chaplaincy team provide free pastoral support for students and staff, irrespective of religion and belief. You do not have to be of religious faith to seek support from the chaplaincy. They provide a safe, confidential space to discuss concerns, alongside signposting advice and guidance. If needed the chaplain can put you into contact with someone of your faith.

Chaplain- Dr Gill Smart

Telephone/Text: 07967585670

Email: chaplain@bolton.ac.uk

Call in person: Chaplaincy, Chancellors Building, the bottom of Eagle Tower- Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10:00am- 1:00pm.

Spectrum Life- Student Assistance Program

Offers a free, confidential, in the moment support service to students.

The service is available 24/7, 365 days a year, offering a range of mental health and wellbeing resources, covering various difficulties, including stress, anxiety, depression and low mood, loss and bereavement, relationship problems and much more. Spectrum Life also offer a 24-hour helpline, and online chat function, where you can speak with a trained mental health professional.

Call: 0800 031 8227 WhatsApp: Text 'Hi' to 07418 360 780

Website: https://uniofbolton.spectrum.life/login?org=UoBWell

The Student’s Union

The Students Union (SU) is run by students and represents all University of Greater Manchester students. The SU has an elected President and is independent of the University to ensure student's interests are recognised and voiced. The Student’s Union provides support, advice and guidance on a range of topics including academic matters, health and welfare, student voice and community-based events and activities to support your general wellbeing. The Student’s Union is also a hate crime reporting centre to which a trained advisor is available to support students who have directly experienced or witnessed hate crime.

You can find out more information about what support is available at the Students Union via the contact details below:

Telephone: 01204 900850

Email: info@boltonsu.com

Webpage: https://www.boltonsu.com/

In person: The Students Union, Chancellors Building, Chancellors Mall

LEAP Online- e-learning modules

To help you feel better informed, understand your rights, and support a respectful university community, we offer a range of student e-learning modules on key topics such as:

  • Healthy Relationships
  • Abuse of Power
  • Sexual Consent
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Dignity at Study
  • Safeguarding

These interactive modules are a great way to learn at your own pace and can help you feel more confident in recognising and responding to concerning and/or unwanted behaviours. You can access them any time via the Student Safety section on the LEAP Online webpage. Some modules are mandatory and must be completed at the start of each academic year to ensure you have the most up-to-date knowledge and awareness.


In addition to the Dignity at Study Policy, the University has a number of related policies that support a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our community. These include guidance for staff and students on professional boundaries, safeguarding responsibilities, and expected standards of behaviour. You can explore the links below to find out more about the Dignity at Work Policy for staff, the Consensual Relationships Policy, and the University’s Safeguarding Policy.

This section contains previous versions of the University’s Dignity at Study Policy and related documents. These archived materials are provided for reference and transparency, allowing students, staff and others to view how the policy has developed over time.

Please note that the most current version of the policy should always be used for guidance and reporting.

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