Disclosure
A member of staff must make a disclosure where there is, or has been, a personal relationship, or where a personal relationship arises, between a member of staff and a student, with whom that member of staff also has a professional connection.
The disclosure must be made to the member of staff’s Head of Department (or equivalent post-holder) or, if the member of staff would prefer, to a senior member of the HR Division, who will speak to the Head of Department (or equivalent post holder) on their behalf.
The disclosure can be made orally or in writing (including by email). If it is provided orally, it is recommended that the Head of Department (or equivalent post holder) respond in writing to confirm the disclosure. In any case the steps taken to address the matter must be discussed and followed up in writing to the member of staff (Putting in place alternative arrangements) and a copy of the letter retained on the individual’s personal file.
If a member of staff is unsure whether or not a relationship with a student should be disclosed under this policy, the member of staff should disclose it.
In the event that any member of staff is, or becomes, aware of a relationship which ought to be, but has not been, disclosed under the policy, they are encouraged to draw the relationship to the attention of the relevant Head of Department (or equivalent post-holder) or (if the member of staff would prefer) to a senior officer in the University’s HR department.