Universities told to improve sexual harassment protection

The OfS also published findings from a survey of students at 12 providers, which suggested a fifth of them had experienced some sort of sexual harassment – although the sample cannot be seen as representative.

UUK called the survey results “sobering” and comes “despite much positive work in the sector to tackle” sexual harassment.

“Universities must go further still, doing everything possible to bring about a cultural change and stamp out sexual misconduct on campus,” it said in a statement.

“UUK and our members will now work constructively and rapidly with the OfS to help implement changes in support of our shared commitment to tackling harassment.”

Saranya Thambirajah, of the NUS, said she hoped the condition of registration would “empower” universities to “handle cases justly and with care”.

“Culture change takes time, and we are by no means at the end of the road with this journey, but today is evidence of our hard work thus far paying off, and we will continue to fight for a future where campuses are free of sexual violence,” she said.

Ms Phillipson said the OfS findings were “appalling” and she wanted to make sure it could “concentrate on standing up for students”.

“The ban on non-disclosure agreements will ensure victims do not suffer in silence, and I will continue to work tirelessly… to ensure that our universities are safe environments for all,” she said.

A 2020 BBC News investigation found nearly a third of universities had used NDAs to silence student complaints about sexual misconduct, bullying and harassment.

Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union, welcomed the ban on non-disclosure agreements, adding that violence against both students and staff “has been allowed to become rife on campus” and action was “long overdue”.

If you are affected by issues raised in this article help and support is available via the BBC Action Line.

Additional reporting by Hope Rhodes and Mary Litchfield