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Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Central Single Source of Information

Bishop Auckland College is committed to protecting all students and staff from harassment and sexual misconduct. 

Any form of harassment or sexual misconduct is unacceptable and the College has robust policies and procedures in place to prevent and address harassment and sexual misconduct. 

This page is our single comprehensive source of information (CSI) for any information you may need in relation to harassment and sexual misconduct, including how to report an incident and how to find support.

Please see our: 

Student policies  Staff policies 

What is Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence and Sexual Misconduct?

Harassment may be directed at an individual or a group. Under the Equality Act 2010, harassment is defined as “unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.  

 

Sexual Harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, that can occur online and offline, that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment 

 

Sexual Violence refers to sexual acts carried out without consent and includes rape, sexual assault, assault by penetration, and other forms of sexual offending. 

 

Sexual misconduct is any unwanted or attempted unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape.  

Examples include such as: 

Unwanted sexual comments or advances 

Unwanted touching or groping 

Sexual coercion 

Sharing intimate images without consent 

Sexual assault or rape 

 

Consent
A person consents if they agree by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice. (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Section 74). 

 

Reporting & Support at Bishop Auckland College 

If you have experienced harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct, our safeguarding team or student services team are available on-site to speak to you or signpost you to further support if needed. 

For students at Bishop Auckland College Campus, please contact: 

Cheryl Hird (Safeguarding Mental Health Coordinator – via reception or @ safeguarding@bacoll.ac.uk 

Or Lisa Campbell – Executive Director of People/ Designated Safeguarding Lead via reception or safeguarding@bacoll.ac.uk 

You can also speak to your Student Progress Mentor/safeguarding team 

Names: areas 

 

Susan – ASPIRE 

Including Luke 

Gavin/Dan – Durham Gateway 

Juie – SWDT 

In addition, there is a duty safeguarding officer who is available whenever the college/SWDT is open who is a duty safeguarding officer and is available to help. 

For staff 

Lisa Campbell – Executive Director of People/Designated Safeguarding Lead @lisa.campbell@bacoll.ac.uk 

Katie Davies – HR Coordinator@katie.davies@bacoll.ac.uk 

 

Anonymous reporting 

You can also use our anonymous reporting tool:

The information you disclose does not begin a formal process, but you may be contacted to establish whether you would like us to initiate this process on your behalf using the information you provide. 

We will not disclose any personal or identifiable information to external organisations unless we believe there is a genuine threat to a person’s health and safety. 

The support you receive is collaborative, holistic and grounded in consent. Notes from conversations will be stored securely and will only be shared with those who need to know. 

Any reports of sexual harassment and misconduct involving students will be overseen by Student Services. Reports relating to staff conduct will be handled by Human Resources.

 

Relationships between staff and students

Staff and student intimate personal relationships are considered an abuse of power and are forbidden under our existing HR policies and staff code of conduct. All pre-existing relationships must be disclosed in accordance with our HR policies.

 

If you have a concern about intimate personal relationships between staff and students, please contact the Principal/CEO or Designated Safeguarding Lead.

 

External Support if you have experienced Sexual Harassment, Assault or Violence 

  • If you are thinking of reporting to the Police, you can call 999 in the event of an emergency or if you are in danger.  Please call 101 for non-emergencies if you are not in immediate danger. You can also visit your local police station to report a crime or report online. Report a crime to Durham Constabulary.

 

Support for Men

 

Self-help and Support Resources for Supporting Others 

These resources may help you if you are supporting someone else or if you would prefer to access self-help resources after being affected by sexual harassment and misconduct. 

 

Academic Support 

Please speak to your Course Leader or access the information on the college website if you feel that your experiences are affecting your ability to complete your course. This is also something that can be discussed during an initial disclosure or through ongoing support.

 

Support if experiencing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace 

If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, the following resources may be useful: 

LGBTQ+ Support

Partner Institutions’ Sources of Information

Here you will find links to our partner institution’s source of information about sexual harassment, which can be accessed if needed.

Training for students and staff 

All students will be made aware of relevant policies and procedures related to harassment and sexual misconduct during their induction 

All students will be made aware of harassment, sexual misconduct, expectations and support during their induction 

HE students will complete training during their induction 

All staff and students will be made aware of the Single Comprehensive Source of Information (CSI) 

All staff will be expected to complete training in harassment and sexual misconduct 

Throughout the year additional training, awareness sessions and specialist training will be made available to staff and students.