Submitted by Alexandra Collett on Fri, 01/11/2024 - 10:30
The University has launched a refreshed Breaking the Silence website with accompanying resources.
The University is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming, inclusive and diverse community that nurtures a culture in which we treat one another with courtesy and consideration.
A new law that came into force on 26 October puts a duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work. This includes when employees are working outside their normal workplace – for example, at conferences or meetings away – and at workplace social events.
Cambridge has been working for some years on tackling sexual harassment, particularly through the Breaking the Silence campaign, which aimed to raise awareness of harassment and sexual misconduct, provide better resources for preventing it, and make it easier to report incidents.
In response to the new law (known as the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023), the University is reviewing its existing provisions and updating and strengthening them where required.
As part of this work, it is relaunching the Breaking the Silence website, updating its content and has produced a new statement on harassment and sexual misconduct. The site brings together:
- Training and guidance on preventing harassment and sexual misconduct
- Information about how to report incidents
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Resources to support those affected.
New content includes LinkedIn Learning pathways on addressing sexual harassment for staff and managers, dedicated information about the preventative steps that should be taken when staff are lone-working or working in environments where alcohol is served, and Code of Behaviour display materials. Additional information and resources will be added during the course of 2024/25.
Other measures include updating the training for staff who hold responsible roles under the Dignity at Work policy (with new training on sexual harassment coming for all staff) and improving our processes around incidents if they do happen. Further updates on this area of work will be posted throughout the year.
What can you do to prevent harassment and sexual misconduct?
Everyone: Familiarise yourself with the University’s expectations about appropriate behaviour on the Breaking the Silence site and in the Code of Behaviour.
Leaders and managers: Communicate with your team about the new duty and how to report incidents, ensure regular visitors to your area have access to the Code of Behaviour, and take early action if incidents do occur.
What should you do if you have been affected?
The Breaking the Silence website has advice on what to do if you have been affected by harassment or sexual misconduct, including steps to follow if you are at immediate risk of harm, as well as information on how to access support and further actions to take.
More information can be read on the Breaking the Silence website.