CONSULTATION - HANDLING REPORTS OF HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Consultation

We are consulting on a draft new section of the Good Practice Framework: Handling reports of harassment and sexual misconduct. 

This section of the Good Practice Framework sets out good practice guidance for providers in designing and operating procedures to respond to reports about harassment of any kind, and sexual misconduct. It is principles-based and intended to support higher education providers to develop and follow fair processes in this context, and to be a tool to help providers evaluate their processes. It can also be a useful resource for students and those who advise them. 

It covers: 

1. Good practice when receiving, investigating and responding to reports about harassment and/or sexual misconduct. 
2. Disciplinary procedures for dealing with students accused of harassment and/or sexual misconduct. 

The draft guidance is drawn from the OIA’s broad experience of handing complaints. The draft has been put together in consultation with the Good Practice Framework Steering Group. We’ve also consulted widely with frontline practitioners, Sexual Violence Liaison Officers, experts in investigations, complaints handlers and student advocates.  

We welcome comments on the draft guidance from sector bodies, higher education providers, student representative bodies, students and anyone else with an interest.   

The closing date for responses to the consultation is Friday 6 February 2026. We plan to publish the final updated version of the section in 2026. If you have any questions about the consultation, please email consultation@oiahe.org.uk.