Student support: harassment and sexual misconduct

Name: Hereford College of Arts
Price range: $

At Hereford College of Arts, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all. This page brings together key information, policies and support resources for anyone affected by bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.

Our comitment

Hereford College of Arts is committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive and respectful community where all students and staff are treated with dignity.

This page outlines our approach to preventing and addressing bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. It includes our full student policy, how to report a concern, and the support available. We encourage anyone affected to seek help and are here to listen and act.

1. Creating a safe and respectful community

We expect all members of our community — students, staff, visitors, and partners — to treat each other with dignity and respect at all times.
Our college values underpin a culture of care, creativity, and accountability.
We actively challenge behaviours that fall short of these standards, and we encourage students and staff to do the same.

We take all reports of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct seriously.
We will listen to you, support you, and act promptly and fairly.
We will provide access to support, advice, and safe reporting channels — whether the incident occurred on campus, online, or off-site.
We are committed to ongoing training, policy review, and student involvement in improving our approach.

We are equally committed to upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law.

We recognise that a diverse and creative environment depends on the ability to exchange ideas and perspectives respectfully. Our policies are designed to protect people — not silence them — and we make every effort to balance individual rights with community safety.

If you are unsure whether something you've experienced or witnessed counts as bullying, harassment or misconduct, you’re not alone.

The following sections will help you understand what these terms mean, how to report something, and what support is available.

2. Understanding unacceptable behaviour

You don't need to label an experience to ask for help. If something has made you feel unsafe, humiliated, threatened or disrespected, we want to hear about it.

This section explains the kinds of behaviour that Hereford College of Arts defines as bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct — including online and off-campus situations.

Definitions

Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour. It may involve misuse of power or influence to undermine, humiliate or injure someone emotionally or psychologically. Bullying can be:

Verbal (e.g. name-calling, mocking)
Physical (e.g. pushing, intimidation)
Online (e.g. abusive messages, public shaming)
Indirect (e.g. spreading rumours, deliberate exclusion)

Harassment is any unwanted conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates a hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. It may relate to:

Age
Disability
Gender identity
Race
Religion or belief
Sex or sexual orientation
This includes behaviour that’s persistent, or a single serious incident. It can also occur online or via social media.

Sexual misconduct is a form of harassment involving unwanted sexual actions or language. It includes:

Sexual touching or groping without consent
Sexual comments, jokes or gestures
Sharing sexual images without consent
Pressuring someone into sexual activity
Stalking, coercion, or threats with a sexual element

Important notes:

Behaviour doesn’t have to be intentional to cause harm.
The impact on the person affected matters more than the intent.
Harassment and misconduct can occur between students, staff, contractors, visitors, or members of the public — and may involve people of any gender or identity.
These behaviours are unacceptable whether they happen:
- On campus or college premises
- During college-related trips or placements
- Online or via social media
- In student accommodation or social settings

3. Who can I make a report about?

If you have experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, you can make a report — even if you're not sure how serious it is.

We encourage you to come forward if someone’s behaviour has made you or someone else feel unsafe, disrespected, or distressed. This includes situations that happen on campus, online, in accommodation, or at external events.

- Another student

Whether the person is on your course, in shared accommodation, or someone you interact with online — all students are expected to uphold the same respectful conduct.

- A member of staff

This includes tutors, technicians, visiting lecturers, admin teams, and senior managers. Staff-student relationships carry a particular duty of care and professionalism.

- A visitor or contractor

This includes guest speakers, external collaborators, maintenance personnel, or other third parties who are present on HCA premises or connected to your studies.

- A member of the public

If you experience harassment while representing HCA in the community, on placement, or during college events, you can still report it and seek support.

Reports are not limited to what happens on campus. You can report incidents that happen:

In student accommodation
On field trips, placements, or study visits
Via email, social media, or messaging apps
At HCA events or externally-hosted exhibitions or performances

You can also report something:

On behalf of someone else (with their knowledge, or anonymously)
As a witness to unacceptable behaviour
If you are concerned for someone’s safety or wellbeing

We recognise that speaking up can be difficult — but you’re not alone, and support is available whether you choose to report formally, informally, or just talk in confidence.

4. How to report bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct

If you’ve experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, you can report it at any time. We know that coming forward isn’t always easy — but you’ll be listened to, taken seriously, and supported throughout the process.

You can report something that happened to you, to someone else, or something you witnessed — even if it took place off-campus or online.

Your reporting options

Use our secure online reporting form to share your concern confidentially with a member of the safeguarding team.

Provide your name and contact details (recommended for follow-up support), or
Submit anonymously

All reports are reviewed by a senior safeguarding staff member. Anonymous reports will be considered, but they may limit our ability to investigate fully.

If you’d prefer to speak to someone face-to-face or over email, you can contact any of the following:

Melissa Williams

Safeguarding & Prevent Manager (Lead DSL)

melissa.williams@hca.ac.uk

Xaviere Hughes

Vice Principal Further Education (DSL)

xaviere.hughes@hca.ac.uk

Justin Gregory

Vice Principal Higher Education (Deputy DSL)

justin.gregory@hca.ac.uk

Samantha Marsh

Wellbeing Mentor

samantha.marsh@hca.ac.uk

💬 You can also speak to your course tutor, Student Union representatives, or any trusted staff member who will help you make contact with the right support.

We understand that not everyone feels ready to come forward openly. If you wish, you can report anonymously through:

The Student Union anonymous feedback box
An anonymous online form ****Mel to advise if this is an option

Please note: while we review all anonymous reports, we may be unable to act or offer personalised support without identifiable details.

Emergency or immediate risk?

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call:

999 for emergency services
West Mercia Police (non-emergency): 101
College safeguarding contact (urgent): Melissa Williams, 07779 992627

Confidentiality and what happens next

We treat all reports seriously and sensitively. Information is shared only with relevant staff and handled in line with our safeguarding and data protection responsibilities. We will explain your options clearly and keep you informed throughout.

Related Policies

5. What to expect after you report

Once you’ve submitted your report, you’ll be kept informed at every stage. We aim for a prompt, fair, and compassionate process. Below is an overview of the typical steps, who’s involved, and how long each stage usually takes.

Step-by-step process

Stage	1. Acknowledgement
Description	You’ll receive confirmation that we’ve received your report and an outline of next steps.
Typical timeline	Within 2 working days

Stage	2. Initial Assessment
Description	designated safeguarding lead reviews details, determines risk, and identifies whether informal or formal resolution is appropriate.
Typical timeline	Within 5 working days

Stage	3. Interim Measures (if needed)
Description	To keep everyone safe, we may arrange: different teaching groups, no-contact agreements, or campus support.
Typical timeline	As soon as risk is identified

Stage	4. Informal Resolution
Description	If suitable and you agree, your course team or mediator will facilitate a discussion or actions to resolve the issue.
Typical timeline	1–2 weeks, depending on availability

Stage	5. Formal Investigation
Description	If matters can’t be resolved informally, an Investigating Lead is appointed. They gather statements, evidence, and prepare a report.
Typical timeline	Complete within 15 working days

Stage	6. Outcome & Decision
Description	Based on findings, the case may go to a disciplinary hearing, result in training or mediation, or be closed if insufficient evidence.
Typical timeline	Within 5 working days of investigation

Stage	7. Communication of Decision
Description	We’ll share the outcome and the reasons with you and any other directly affected parties.
Typical timeline	Immediately after decision

Stage	8. Appeal / Review (if applicable
Description	If you’re unhappy with the outcome, you can request a review under the Student Complaints or Disciplinary Appeals process.
Typical timeline	Within 10 working days of decision

Stage	Description	Typical timeline
1. Acknowledgement	You’ll receive confirmation that we’ve received your report and an outline of next steps.	Within 2 working days
2. Initial Assessment	designated safeguarding lead reviews details, determines risk, and identifies whether informal or formal resolution is appropriate.	Within 5 working days
3. Interim Measures (if needed)	To keep everyone safe, we may arrange: different teaching groups, no-contact agreements, or campus support.	As soon as risk is identified
4. Informal Resolution	If suitable and you agree, your course team or mediator will facilitate a discussion or actions to resolve the issue.	1–2 weeks, depending on availability
5. Formal Investigation	If matters can’t be resolved informally, an Investigating Lead is appointed. They gather statements, evidence, and prepare a report.	Complete within 15 working days
6. Outcome & Decision	Based on findings, the case may go to a disciplinary hearing, result in training or mediation, or be closed if insufficient evidence.	Within 5 working days of investigation
7. Communication of Decision	We’ll share the outcome and the reasons with you and any other directly affected parties.	Immediately after decision
8. Appeal / Review (if applicable	If you’re unhappy with the outcome, you can request a review under the Student Complaints or Disciplinary Appeals process.	Within 10 working days of decision

Throughout the process we follow these key principles:

Confidentiality: Details are shared only with those who need to know.
Natural Justice: Both complainant and respondent have the right to be heard, to see evidence, and to respond.
Support: You can access wellbeing and academic support at any point.
Transparency: We’ll explain delays or changes in timelines if they occur.

You choose whether to pursue an informal resolution first. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each path.

All actions and decisions are recorded securely, in line with data-protection rules.

For crimes such as sexual assault, we’ll support you to involve the police or external agencies if you wish.

You can read the full policy using the button below.

6. Suppport available

If you’ve experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct — or if you're supporting someone who has — you don’t have to deal with it alone. Hereford College of Arts offers confidential, non-judgemental support, whether or not you choose to make a formal report. Support is available for everyone involved, including those accused of misconduct.

Support within HCA

Support	Wellbeing Support
Name	Samantha Marsh
Role	Wellbeing Mentor
Contact	samantha.marsh@hca.ac.uk

Support	Safeguarding Support
Name	Melissa Williams
Role	Safeguarding & Prevent Manager
Contact	melissa.williams@hca.ac.uk

Support	Safeguarding Support
Name	Xaviere Hughes
Role	Designated Safeguarding Lead
Contact	x.hughes@hca.ac.uk

Support	Safeguarding Support
Name	Justin Gregory
Role	Designated Safeguarding Lead
Contact	j.gregory@hca.ac.uk

Support	Student Union
Name
Role	SU rep
Contact	studentunion@hca.ac.uk

Support	Student Union
Name	Katie Shearer
Role	Student Experience lead
Contact	k.shearer@hca.ac.uk

Support	Name	Role	Contact
Wellbeing Support	Samantha Marsh	Wellbeing Mentor	samantha.marsh@hca.ac.uk
Safeguarding Support	Melissa Williams	Safeguarding & Prevent Manager	melissa.williams@hca.ac.uk
Safeguarding Support	Xaviere Hughes	Designated Safeguarding Lead	x.hughes@hca.ac.uk
Safeguarding Support	Justin Gregory	Designated Safeguarding Lead	j.gregory@hca.ac.uk
Student Union		SU rep	studentunion@hca.ac.uk
Student Union	Katie Shearer	Student Experience lead	k.shearer@hca.ac.uk

Support for all Parties

HCA is committed to supporting:

Those who have experienced or reported harm
Those who have been accused of misconduct
Witnesses and those involved in the reporting process

This may include:

Access to counselling or mental health support
Academic adjustments (e.g. deadline extensions, temporary timetable changes)
No-contact arrangements or physical space adjustments
Signposting to external specialist services

We support your right to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect — regardless of your role in the situation.

External support services

24/7 Mental Health Support

HCA offers all students access to Health Assured’s Student Assist Programme — a free, confidential helpline for counselling, legal advice, and wellbeing support.

📞 0800 028 3766

Victim Support

Victim Support is the independent charity for people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.

Its specialist teams provide free, independent and confidential support to enable people to manage after crime and feel safer.

📞 0808 168 9111
www.victimsupport.org.uk

The Glade (Sexual Assault Referral Centre – West Mercia)

The Glade offer free, confidential 24-hour healthcare and compassionate support to adults (18 years and older) and young people aged 16 and 17 (if clinically appropriate) who have experienced sexual assault, including rape.

📞 0808 178 2058
www.theglade.org.uk

Samaritans

Samaritans are there, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

They give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. They encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives.

📞 116 123 (Free 24/7)

When you can seek support

You can seek support:

Before, during or after making a report
Whether the incident was recent or happened in the past
Whether or not you choose to pursue an investigation

7. Our policy on bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct

Hereford College of Arts maintains a clear and comprehensive policy outlining how we prevent, respond to, and investigate bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.

You can download the latest version below and request an accessible format if needed.

Policy Download

Title: Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct – Student Policy (v.4, July 2024)

Last updated: July 2024

Next scheduled review: July 2026

What’s in the Policy?

Definitions of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct
Scope (who it applies to, where, and when)
Step-by-step guidance on informal and formal reporting
Roles and responsibilities of staff and students
Safeguarding procedures
Guidance for complainants and respondents
How reports are investigated and decisions made
Where to seek support and how to appeal decisions

You can access previous versions of this policy and a summary of key updates below:

8. Raising awareness and preventing harm

Promoting a safe and respectful community is everyone’s responsibility.

We provide training and guidance to ensure students and staff understand what bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct looks like — and how to take action.

All students are introduced to our expectations at induction.
Information on respectful relationships, consent, and digital conduct is provided through StudentNet and tutorial content.
Optional bystander intervention and personal safety sessions are offered throughout the year.

All staff complete regular safeguarding and misconduct awareness training.
Designated safeguarding staff receive enhanced training in trauma-informed response, risk assessment, and investigation.
Tutors are encouraged to foster safe learning environments and challenge inappropriate conduct sensitively.

9. How we monitor and improve our approach

We regularly review our policy and processes to ensure they are working — and improving — for everyone in our community.

This policy is reviewed every two years by the Senior Safeguarding and Prevent Committee, Academic Quality & Standards Committee, and Principal’s Executive.
The review includes feedback from students, staff, safeguarding data, and sector guidance updates.

Anonymous data on reports is recorded, monitored and shared with SLT to identify themes, repeat issues or gaps in provision.
Data is stored securely and in line with GDPR.

The Board of Governors receives an annual safeguarding and misconduct report.
Where significant changes are made to policy or procedure, Board approval is sought.

10. Additional information and resources

Below is additional information that may be of use on this subject.

If you can't find what you need on this page you can contact HCA's Safeguarding & Prevent Manager, Melissa Williams at m.williams@hca.ac.uk.

Hereford College of Arts does not use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in any case involving bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.

Students and staff are never asked to remain silent about their experiences as a condition of resolution, settlement or support.

HCA ensures that its approach to bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct is supported by adequate staffing, training, and financial resources.

We regularly review our safeguarding and wellbeing capacity and invest in continuous training to meet evolving student needs and sector expectations.

Where a formal investigation has taken place, students involved in a case — whether as complainant or respondent — are informed of the outcome and the reasoning behind the decision, in line with fairness and data protection laws.

Support is available after decisions are shared.

As employees of the College, staff are required to demonstrate high standards in their exercise of authority, their management of risk, in the proper use of resources and in the active protection of students from discrimination and avoidable harm. This document outlines the expected behaviours of staff in accordance with the latest ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and the Equality Act 2010.

There is no acceptable behaviour that has either explicit sexual connotations or innuendo between a member of staff and a student regardless of the student’s age or maturity.

All members of college staff operate within a position of trust with students, this is regardless of the department(s)/contexts they work in.

It is a criminal offence for a person in a position of trust to engage in any sexual activity with a young person under 18 and whom they have a relationship of trust irrespective of the age of consent, even if the basis of their relationship is consensual.