Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Accepted
Paragraph: 60
Improve university whistleblowing policies to end silence regarding sexual abuse and violence.
Conclusion
It is disgraceful that universities in England have used non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of sexual harassment and violence. Given the number of universities still to commit to banning the use of NDAs, we are pleased to see the Government endorse legislative proposals to prevent this abhorrent practice. Universities need to improve their whistleblowing policies to end the culture of silence regarding sexual abuse and violence in higher education institutions.
Government Response Summary
The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, which received Royal Assent in May 2023, will include a ban on the use of non-disclosure agreements in sexual harassment cases in universities, effective 2024. For whistleblowing, the Office for Students already requires universities to have a complaints process, and whistleblowers can report to the Independent Adjudicator.
Paragraph Reference:
60
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
13. The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill received Royal Assent in May 2023. The Act’s provisions are due to be in force in 2024 and will include a ban on the use of non-disclosure agreements within universities in sexual harassment cases. 14. The Office for Students (OfS) requires all universities to have a complaints process. Complaints can be escalated to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator or the Office for Students. Whistleblowers should report their concerns directly to the Independent Adjudicator.