Overview
Condition E6, effective 1 August 2025, is a new, ongoing condition of registration set by the Office for Students (OfS). It requires higher education institutions to:
- Prevent and respond effectively to harassment and sexual misconduct.
- Uphold legal and ethical standards, ensuring safe and respectful learning environments.
- Manage incidents sensitively and fairly, following principles of transparency and natural justice.
Definitions align with the Equality Act 2010 and Protection from Harassment Act 1997, covering both in-person and online conduct. They apply to staff, students, and third parties where incidents affect student wellbeing.
For further information on Condition E6 please visit: Condition E6: Harassment and sexual misconduct - Office for Students
Key Institutional Requirements of Condition E6
- Comprehensive Source of Information (CSI): A single, publicly accessible document outlining all policies, reporting mechanisms, support services, investigation procedures, and staff–student relationship rules.
- Minimum Content Requirements: Clear guidance on reporting processes, handling of information, support for students and staff, and transparent investigation procedures.
- Training and Resources: Sufficient capacity, specialist staff, and trauma-informed training for those handling disclosures and investigations.
- Prohibition of NDAs: From 1 September 2024, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) cannot be used to prevent students from speaking about harassment or misconduct.
- Staff and Student Relationships: Policies to manage (or prohibit) intimate personal relationships where power imbalances or conflicts of interest may arise.
- Freedom of Speech Balance: Policies must protect lawful freedom of expression while preventing harassment, targeted abuse, or discrimination.
Why Condition E6 Matters
- Student Safety: Strengthens protections against harassment and sexual misconduct.
- Policy Transparency: Builds trust through clear processes and public accountability.
- Regulatory Compliance: Failure to comply may result in OfS sanctions or fines.
- Cultural Impact :Promotes a respectful, inclusive learning environment while upholding lawful free speech.
University of Greater Manchester Response
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.
To comply with the condition the university (non-exhaustive):
- Established a Condition E6 Task and Finish Group, reporting to the University Safeguarding and Prevent Working Group. The Task and Finish Group completed its work in September 2025 and transferred ongoing monitoring of Condition E6 to the Safeguarding and Prevent Working Group.
- Published a Comprehensive Source of Information (August 2025).
- Aligned institutional policies to the condition including but not limited to Dignity at Study, Dignity at Work, and Consensual Relationships all of which are available on the CSI.
- Reviewed other policies to ensure these aligned not only to Condition E6 but also to Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom including but not limited to the Safeguarding Policy and Procedure, Prevent Policy, Non-Academic Misconduct Policy, Fitness to Practice Policy and Complaints Procedure.
- Delivered mandatory staff training on Condition E6 from July 2025.
- Worked collaboratively with the Students Union on the development of policies and procedures, the Students’ Union Pledge and development of student training materials.
- Conducted a Student Focus Group including Dignity at Study, Consensual Relationships, Student Training and Condition E6.
- Developed student training materials, opt out processes and data reporting facilities.
The University pledged not to use Non-Disclosure Agreement’s (NDAs) in 2022 aligned with the Can’t Buy My Silence initiative.
Student Training
From 01 September 2025 all new and returning students will be expected to complete mandatory training on:
- Dignity at Study (inc. Bystander content)
- Sexual Consent
- Healthy Relationships
- Abuse of Power
- Freedom of Speech
Students will have the opportunity to opt-out of all modules except Freedom of Speech. In the event a student opts out information on our approach to addressing harassment and sexual misconduct and also sources of support will be provided to the student.
Staff Training
Mandatory staff training was developed and launched in July 2025 to raise awareness of bullying, harassment, and abuse, clarify reporting procedures, and introduce new policies. The training also incorporated optional content covering relevant legislation (e.g., the Equality Act 2010), freedom of speech, and leadership frameworks such as emotional intelligence. These elements were designed to provide broader context and enhance the depth of learning.
Additionally, a two-page briefing document has been produced to inform visitors and contractors about the new regulatory condition, its requirements, and reporting mechanisms.
Policies and Procedures
We have published a new single-source webpage which provides clear, practical guidance on how to prevent and respond to harassment and sexual misconduct.
It helps outline to our students all the policies and procedures that are in place to prevent this behaviour, and to tackle it when it does occur.
It includes information about:
- Support pathways
- Reporting tools
- Definitions
- Training
- Policies and procedures
Confidentiality
Disclosures of harassment or sexual misconduct will be handled with care and in line with University policies and safeguarding responsibilities. While processes are ongoing, students may be asked to maintain confidentiality. Certain aspects of the process and outcomes will remain confidential following conclusion. However, no restrictions are placed on a student speaking about their experiences of the underlying events.
Investigations and Decisions
When a formal report of harassment or sexual misconduct is made, the University may launch an investigation. What happens next depends on whether the report involves a student or a member of staff and is managed under the appropriate University procedure:
These procedures define investigation processes, decision-making responsibilities, and the support available to all parties.
Policy Concerning Relationships Between Students and Staff
Full details about the University’s position on relationships between students and staff are set out in the Consensual Relationships guidelines which should be referred to for comprehensive and definitive guidance.
To support students’ understanding, this procured is embedded in to the mandatory student training.
Collaboration with our students:
- We will continue to ensure different voices are heard, and that our responses and work are shaped by these. We work in close partnership with our students, our Student Union, staff community and external experts.
- For example, student focus groups were held in 2024/25 to obtain feedback on the Dignity at Study Policy and Procedure, Support, Useful Resources, Student Training and Staff and Student relationship.
