Our response to sexual harassment investigation in Higher Education

The Guardian has today published an investigation into sexual harassment in Higher Education.

Goldsmiths, University of London is among institutions named in the coverage. Here is our response to the investigation – and also information on how we are tackling this issue.

Sexual harassment, misconduct and violence are deeply serious issues and are not tolerated in any shape or form at Goldsmiths. We are committed to fully investigating any allegations of these behaviours – and we will take appropriate action against anyone found responsible.

We have admitted that there has been inappropriate behaviour at the university in the past with the high standards associated with Goldsmiths not always upheld.

This is why we are directly addressing these issues with the ambition of strengthening cultures and systems at Goldsmiths to ensure those affected by sexual harassment feel supported and safe and able to raise allegations through clearly-defined channels and processes.

Our 10-point plan, which was shared with students and staff last year, provides a blueprint for this work. It includes a definition of sexual harassment, the establishment of an advisory board to oversee our work, with members drawn from across the university, and the creation of a post to review and refresh the university’s approach to addressing sexual misconduct.

Through this work our ambition is for Goldsmiths to become an example of good practice in this area both for the Higher Education sector and also for wider society. Regrettably, sexual misconduct affects many institutions and we hope that our work will help challenge and overcome this corrosive issue.