Officer Lead:
Sharanya Sivarajah - President & Olivia Davies - VP Wellbeing & Diversity
TW: Harassment & Sexual Misconduct
According to the Office for National Statistics, students are more likely to have experienced sexual harm than any other group. Not only this, but nearly 1 in 3 Black and Asian students have, or will have, experienced racial harassment at university.
It is never ok for someone to be subjected to harassment and/or sexual misconduct; we are running this campaign to educate, support and work with students to make change. Everyone has the right to live and study in a safe and supportive environment. We're making a commitment to take a stand against violence and discriminatory behaviour. Because it's #NeverOk.
Work we're Doing
As your Students’ Union, we are working proactively to change the culture on campus and beyond. From lobbying the University to running our own initiatives, there are several different ways we are working to support students.
As part of her manifesto, Sharanya is lobbying the university to provide mandatory EDI and consent Education for students. This is something that is replicated at numerous universities, and in line with the OfS’s guidelines, it is important that Royal Holloway works towards tackling harassment and sexual misconduct in the same way. Sharanya plans to work with the university over the course of the year so that come August 2025, the university have a solid and comprehensive plan on how they will actively work towards tackling harassment and sexual misconduct.
Olivia is launching an anti-spiking campaign called SOS: Stamp out Spiking. The aim of this is to ensure that our members (students) feel safe in our venues, and that our events team are thoroughly trained in being able to recognise, intervene and support in instances of spiking. The Students' Union takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of spiking and will work closely with the University and Police to push for prosecution with the full force of the law at every available opportunity.
As part of the campaign, we have introduced a NeverOk student working group. We have put forward a range of recommendations which are included in the action plan below. We've put together this action plan to let you know what support is available and to keep you up to date on our lobbying and campaigning.
Sharanya sits on the University's Campus Safety and Security Coordination working group and uses this space to put the #NeverOk campaign and the student safety agenda at the forefront. As part of this, we have also introduced a Student Safety Working Group here at the SU. This aims to discuss any updates and actions relevant to the SU around student safety, and the #NeverOk campaign.
Neverok Action Plan
union initiatives
Late night venues
| Action |
Progress |
| Research into specialised training in tackling sexual harassment and misconduct for SU Security. |
In progress |
| Create anti-harassment signage posters and digital screens to display around the SU building during club nights. |
In progress |
| Consent Training information and Code of Conduct reminders included on late night event e-ticket. |
Complete |
| Research safety initiatives to support Ask Angela e.g. fake debit card. |
In progress |
| Consider investing in additional technology such as the Where You At (WYA) app to aid the Security team and the Good Night Out Crew. |
In progress |
| Create and hand out physical resources (e.g. leaflets) to students who have been victim to sexual harassment on a night out. |
Complete |
| The Students’ Union should, for a designated period, search 100% of customers attending an event at the SU Venue Nightclub and Medicine with a set review date to see whether this should become standard procedure. Bag and body checks would occur during this period. |
Complete |
| Ensure support is offered to students when being removed from the Students' Union venues so they get home safe |
Not started |
Policy
| Action |
Progress |
| Introduce a Sexual Harassment and Misconduct policy at the Students’ Union. |
In Progress |
| Misconduct policy to include educational resources if banned for sexual harassment. |
In progress |
Education
| Action |
Progress |
| Host women empowerment workshops. |
In progress |
| Mandatory Consent and Active Bystander Training to be implemented into annual Student Group Training for committee members. |
Complete |
| Host a Consent and Active Bystander Workshop for student groups members. |
Complete |
| Create guidance for student groups that better defines the Code of Conduct to support them in handling reports of sexual harassment. |
Not started |
| Map out plans for blogs on sexual harassment with guidance from the Advice Centre. |
Not started |
| Research alternative options to personal safety alarms e.g. apps. |
Not started |
| Deliver Spiking Awareness campaign |
Complete - SOS: Stamp Out Spiking Campaign |
University work
| Action |
Progress |
| Ensure the University is implementing OfS guidelines. |
In progress |
| Ask the University to communicate new rules to students (on OfS guidelines). |
In progress |
| Lobby the University to provide mandatory Consent and Active Bystander Training and education on more advanced aspects of sexual misconduct and harassment. |
In Progress |
| Lobby the University to provide more information on Sexual Assault Referall Centres (SARCs) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs). |
Complete |
| Provide a counselling service that specialises in harassment and victim support. |
Complete |
| Lobby the University to provide mandatory Equality, Diversity & Inclusion training for all students |
Not started |
| Lobby the University to have a clearer reporting process for cases of harassment and sexual misconduct |
Not started |
As we deliver on our Action Plan aims, we will keep you and this page updated so keep an eye out!
Support & Resources
In an emergency, call the police immediately on 999 (or 112 on a mobile) and alert Security if you're on campus by calling 01784 443888. Alternatively, go to the 24-hour Security service at Founder’s East Reception.
Whether you think you might need counselling or just want to discuss your situation, reach out to the University's Wellbeing team who are here for you. The SU Advice Centre can provide non-judgmental, independent guidance. Drop our friendly advisors an email and they'll be happy to help.
SARSAS provide free, anonymous and confidential support for people of all genders, age 13+ who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse at any time in their life.
Call 08088010456 (women) or 08088010464 (men) to speak to a specially trained volunteer who will listen and support you to talk about whatever is on your mind.
Survivors UK - Call 02035983898 (support for male survivors)
Information on Sexual Violence
Reporting Sexual Offences
This academic year, students are asked to complete the mandatory consent module. Please ensure you have completed the consent matters module, whether you are an incoming or returning student. Consent Matters - Royal Holloway Student Intranet Consent Matters (online course)
Consent is all about mutual agreement—both people must be fully on board with any sexual activity. It’s required every time, whether you're in a relationship or not. Non-consensual sex is illegal, so it’s important to make sure all sexual interactions are 100% consensual.
If you're sexually active, always ensure that both you and your partner are fully comfortable, and that consent is clear. Remember, everyone has the right to say no at any time, and it’s essential to respect that. Also, plenty of people choose not to engage in sexual activity at all, and that choice should always be respected.
It’s crucial to ask for consent every single time. Just because someone said yes before doesn’t mean they’re automatically agreeing again, even if you’re in a relationship. Consent can't be given if someone is unable to make a clear decision, like if they’re sleeping, unconscious, or intoxicated. In these cases, any sexual activity can be considered sexual assault, as the person isn’t able to give their consent. Always make sure your partner is fully able to consent and never assume!
For more information please visit: Consent - Student Intranet
Get Involved in the Campaign
If you want to get involved, don't hesitate to get in touch by emailing president@su.rhul.ac.uk or vpwellbeingdiversity@su.rhul.ac.uk.
