Section 1: Purpose and Commitment

The Institute of Sports Humanities (ISH) is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of its community, including students, staff, and individuals from partner universities and organisations. Harassment, sexual misconduct, abuse of power, coercion, or offering inappropriate advantages are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

This policy aligns with UK law, including the Equality Act 2010, Protection from Harassment Act 1997, and the Office for Students (OfS) Condition E6: Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, effective 1 August 2025. ISH implements safeguards to ensure that non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or similar arrangements do not prevent students from reporting harassment or sexual misconduct.

ISH is committed to informing, empowering, and protecting students and staff throughout the reporting and investigation process, ensuring that all individuals understand their rights and the procedures available to them.

Section 2: Scope

This policy applies to all conduct within ISH activities, including:

• Online and in-person teaching and events;

• External collaborations associated with ISH.

All students, staff, and individuals from partner universities and organisations fall under this policy, whether they are directly involved in an incident or witness inappropriate conduct.

Section 3: Definitions

• Harassment: Behaviour towards a person that causes mental or emotional suffering, which includes repeated unwanted contacts without a reasonable purpose, insults, threats, touching, or offensive language.

• Sexual Misconduct: Any unwanted or attempted sexual behaviour that is committed without consent, by force, intimidation, and/or coercion. Consent must be freely given, informed, and can be withdrawn at any time.

• Abuse of Power or Coercion: The use of force to persuade someone to do something that they are unwilling to do.

All the above behaviours may constitute unlawful conduct under UK law and are subject to legal consequences and organisational disciplinary procedures.

Section 4: Principles and Safeguards

ISH is committed to:

1. Student Protection:
   – Students are safeguarded against coercion, abuse of power, and conflicts of interest;

   – Students are informed about what constitutes harassment, sexual misconduct, or inappropriate advantages;

   – Students are empowered to report concerns without fear of retaliation or negative academic consequences.

2. Staff Training and Professional Boundaries:

   – All staff receive mandatory training on professional conduct, boundaries, and safeguarding;

   – Staff are trained to recognise harassment, sexual misconduct, abuse of power, and conflicts of interest.

3. Transparency and Information:

   – Students and staff are provided with clear information on their rights, reporting options, and the support available;
   – ISH ensures public access to policies, reporting mechanisms, and guidance online.

4. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs):

   – NDAs or confidentiality clauses cannot restrict students from reporting harassment or sexual misconduct;

   – ISH ensures that disclosures for safety, legal compliance, or safeguarding purposes are never prevented.

5. Conflict of Interest and Abuse of Power:

   – Measures are in place to prevent staff or affiliates from using their position to influence student decisions or gain inappropriate advantages;

   – Any potential conflict of interest in investigations or reporting is identified and managed to ensure impartiality.

Section 5: Reporting Procedures

Students or staff who experience or witness harassment or sexual misconduct are encouraged to report incidents promptly at ish@sportshumanities.org (confidential), or by completing the Institute of Sports Humanities - Misconduct Reporting Form – Fill out form, which can also be submitted anonymously.

Reports may be made by the person affected or by someone on their behalf. All reports are treated seriously, handled confidentially, and safeguarded against retaliation.

Section 6: Support for Students and Staff

ISH ensures that support is available to all parties affected by harassment or sexual misconduct, including:

• Students who want to make an allegation - guidance, reassurance, and clear information on reporting options;

• Students who have experienced harassment or sexual misconduct - emotional support, academic accommodations, practical advice, and referrals to counselling or external services;

• Students who are actual or alleged perpetrators - access to guidance, support during investigations, and information on procedural fairness;

• All staff members involved - advice, emotional support, and professional guidance where needed.

Support is provided through multiple channels, including:

• Counselling and wellbeing services;

• Referrals to external specialist services;

• Academic or practical accommodations to ensure safety and continued engagement in study.

ISH ensures that all support is confidential, accessible, and tailored to individual circumstances, and that students are empowered to make informed choices about reporting or seeking assistance.

Section 7: Investigation Procedures

• All reports are acknowledged promptly and assessed for appropriate action;

• Investigations are timely, impartial, and fair, conducted according to documented procedures;

• Students and staff are kept informed about the progress and outcomes of investigations;

• Outcomes are communicated clearly, and remedial or disciplinary measures are applied where appropriate;

• Individuals directly affected by decisions have the right to request a review or appeal of the outcome. ISH will ensure that any such requests are considered fairly, impartially, and in a timely manner;

• ISH ensures that staff involved in investigations are trained to avoid conflicts of interest, maintain confidentiality, and uphold professional standards.

Section 8: Transparency, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

ISH regularly evaluates its institutional arrangements to ensure policies are:

• Consistent with UK law and OfS requirements;

• Reflective of best practice in safeguarding, student welfare, and higher education governance;

• Reviewed and updated based on feedback, incidents, or regulatory changes.

Students and staff are encouraged to provide feedback and are reassured that their wellbeing and rights are prioritised, and that safeguards are in place to ensure they can report concerns safely and confidently.