Harassment in Higher Education
This course has been created to help staff to understand what constitutes harassment, including sexual harassment, and the steps to take if you experience or witness harassment including sexual harassment.
It offers guidance for managers on how to handle a complaint. It provides an overview of the legislation relating to harassment and the University’s Harassment Policy. This training is required by all University employed members of staff.
The University has introduced this required training in response to legislative changes that came into effect in October 2024 (the Worker Protection Act 2023) requiring employers to proactively take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of workers in the course of their employment.
The objectives of this course are:
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Be aware of the legislation relating to harassment including sexual harassment
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Be aware of the University’s Harassment Policy
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Feel able to describe what constitutes sexual harassment
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Be aware of the impact of sexual harassment
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Understand the steps to take if you experience or witness harassment, including sexual harassment
You will need your single sign on credentials to access the training – Harassment in Higher Education
Estimated course duration - 30 - 45 minutes
Equality and diversity briefing: online course
This practical course is strongly recommended for all University staff. It introduces you to what equality and diversity mean and why they are so important both to the University and to you as an individual. It provides an overview of the legislation, your rights and responsibilities, and guidelines for ensuring that equality and diversity are embedded in your work.
Using your single sign-on credentials, download the course.
Little things matter: The Impact of micro-behaviours in the workplace
Four short videos that explore micro-behaviours and micro-inequities and the important part they play in our working relationships, and in addressing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Using your single sign-on credentials, view the videos.
Student mental health e-learning for university / college staff
A free e-learning package for all university / college staff from the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust is now available. For students in distress, the first point of contact is often with non-specialist university/ college staff such as porters, domestic staff, bar staff, security, academic tutors or maintenance staff. The first conversation students have with a member of staff like this can be vital – in ensuring they receive a warm, empathic and understanding response to help them immediately, and that they are then signposted, if necessary, to receive help from a mental health specialist.
Developed by the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, this new e-learning package is designed to give non-specialist staff the skills, knowledge and confidence to offer this first line of support. Introduced by well-known TV presenter Alexander Armstrong, the package consists of six, easy-to-follow 20-minute sessions, including: Signs to look out for, key helping skills, knowing who else to involve, and supporting students at risk or in crisis.
Responsible Bystander Workshop
Bystander intervention is a vital component in tackling bullying and harassment, as we all have a part to play in creating our workplace culture. Through our everyday interactions we are challenging or enforcing social norms, we are leading by example and role modelling behaviour. The Responsible Bystander workshop aims to empower you with the confidence and tools to challenges problematic behaviour in a safe, respectful and productive way before it escalates to bullying and harassment.
If you would like to organise this training for your department or faculty, please contact harassment.line@admin.ox.ac.uk
Assertiveness and Difficult Conversation
People and Organisational Development have links to a number of self-access courses and resources on their website, in particular:
