Code of Conduct Review
This webpage has been put together by Bristol SU and UBLHC (University of Bristol Ladies Hockey Club) to provide information on Bristol SU's Code of Conduct Review.
Update
Before Easter we made a commitment to UBLHC (University of Bristol Ladies Hockey Club) on a range of actions, including a full review and revision of the Code of Conduct, undertaken in a trauma-informed way, and making improvements to the support and signposting available for student group leaders. This was following their complaint sent to us on 26 February, and open letter released on 5 March.
UBLHC have correctly challenged us on our outdated Code of Conduct, and the systemic issue of sexual violence, and we thank them for doing so. Our student leaders do an amazing job, and we want to make sure we’re supporting them effectively with our training and policies. The Code of Conduct is for when things go wrong, and so it’s vital that we get it right to support anyone affected.
Bristol SU deeply condemns sexual violence in all forms and will make sure that our policies and procedures are supportive and empowering for survivors. We recognise the pervasive culture of sexual violence on campus and are committed to addressing this. Earlier this year we signed a joint commitment on tackling sexual violence and harassment alongside the University and we will make sure this is upheld. We’re sorry that we have let you down – we are taking this very seriously.
Following on from our update before Easter, we’re now getting back in touch to provide you with a further update on how you can contribute to our external code of conduct review in the coming weeks.
The review will begin immediately and will be completed by July 2024. Student group focus groups will begin on 30 April.
How can I get involved in the review?
Your involvement in the review is really important to make sure that our policies and processes support you effectively.
Student group leaders are invited to take part in focus groups taking place from Tuesday 30 April – Wednesday 8 May to give feedback on the current Code of Conduct and your experience of using it.
You can sign up to a focus group by filling in this short form.
If you’re not a student group leader, you can still take part in the review. Fill out this short form to share your experience of using the Code of Conduct.
Information about the Code of Conduct Review
The aim of the external review is to ensure there is a Code of Conduct framework that is fit for the future and aligned to the values of Bristol Students’ Union and the needs of its members.
By the end of July we will have:
• An updated Code of Conduct document and associated policies and procedures.
• Clear guidance and signposting for student leaders.
• A roadmap for change including developing skills and building capacity at Bristol SU
There will be an extraordinary trustee meeting to approve the code of conduct so that a new code is in place before the start of group activities in the new academic year.
An Update from UBLHC
UBLHC are appreciative of the SU’s newfound commitment to tackling the endemic of sexual violence on campus and are supportive of their efforts to actively engage in a review of the code of conduct. We are actively involved in the third party review with AtkinsonHR and are eager to continuously engage with them whilst such is being undertaken. We encourage all students to get involved with this process, the SU is a union for all. It is imperative that we make it a safer place for all.
UBLHC is an inclusive, supportive and welcoming club that is invested in the wellbeing of all students and is committed to making sure every member of our community feels safe and respected. Together, we can foster a culture of respect, understanding, and inclusivity within our university community.
An Update from Bristol SU
"I am sincerely appreciative of UBLHC for raising their concerns, for challenging us and for championing this issue. They are an incredible student committee and I will make sure that we deliver on our promises to them."
"We have made this review our top priority and your input can help improve group experiences for all members. I encourage students from across the University community to take part to ensure that students, student group leaders and survivors of sexual violence are fully supported in the future." - Ben Pilling, CEO of Bristol SU
"Being a leader of a student group is a huge role and it is vital that SU policies and processes support those people. Your involvement in the review is really important so please do give your feedback or sign up to a focus group so that we can get it right." - Pat Gibbs, Bristol SU Sport and Student Development Officer
We’ll provide further updates in the summer, once the review work has taken place.
If you have had experience of sexual harassment or violence and need support, the following services are available:
You can get direct support from the University Wellbeing Services:
- telephone: +44 (0)117 456 9860 (open 24 hours a day)
- email: wellbeing-access@bristol.ac.uk
- completing the request wellbeing support form.
When you request support, the Wellbeing Advisers will offer you advice and refer you to the right service. This may include the University's Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLO) team. Further information is available online.
You can report anonymously using the University’s Report and Support tool.
You can formally report an incident of sexual misconduct to the University.
The Bridge can provide guidance on ways of reporting rape or sexual assault.
FAQs
Who will be leading the external review?
We have commissioned Atkinson HR to undertake the external review into our Code of Conduct framework. Atkinson HR work with a wide range of students’ unions and other Voluntary Sector organisations and have strong experience working on conduct and complaints frameworks and processes. They are a Trusted Supplier for NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations.
Graham Atkinson and Sarah Ellis, who will be working on the review together, have a combined 20-years’ experience in senior leadership in students’ unions and Graham led work to review the Code of Conduct framework for the National Union of Students during his time as their Director of People, Governance and Performance.
What is included within the review?
As part of the review, we will also be:
- reviewing our safeguarding policy
- reviewing our complaints procedure
- providing guidance and training for staff, volunteers and student group members
- reviewing all complaints submitted to the SU in the last two years, to ensure accountability is maintained
What are the concerns which have been raised about the Code of Conduct?
Bristol SU’s Code of Conduct is currently out of date and has been for some time. We unreservedly apologise for this. Specific concerns which have been raised include:
- References to sexual assault and violence being vague and inadequate
- Lack of process for committee members and SU staff to follow should a sexual violence allegation be raised
- No mandatory welfare training or wellbeing support for all committee members
- Use of a slur, making the code non-inclusive
What is going to happen in the interim period?
The current code of conduct will remain in place until the new version is approved. If you feel that Code of Conduct has been breached you should follow our complaints policy as before. We have made interim improvements to ensure that you and related parties will be communicated with transparently and will receive appropriate signposting to wellbeing support. We have also removed outdated and offensive terminology from the Code. If you are unsure if you want to make a complaint, contact the Complaints Officer or the Development Team who can talk you through the process and other options that may be available to you.
If your complaint is about the University of Bristol (including academic matters, or University of Bristol services), you will need to use the University’s Student Complaints Procedure.
If your complaint is about unacceptable behaviour, including sexual misconduct, you should use the Student Resolution Service (SRS). The SRS's team of male and female SVLOs have had specialist training to support and advise students who have experienced any form of sexual violence. Their service is available to all students, regardless of when or where the incident took place.
You can also request Wellbeing support through the University for any additional support you might need at this time.
A new Code of Conduct will be in place before the start of group activities in the new academic year.
I need to report a broken link on the website – how can I do this?
Report a broken link to our digital team at digital@bristolsu.org.uk
I’d like to make a complaint – how can I do this?
Information about our complaints process is available on our website.
I’ve got further questions – who can I contact?
If you’ve got a question for Bristol SU you can contact bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk and if you’ve got a question about the review you can complete this form.
