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.
New Code of Conduct Framework (August)
Earlier this year, in response to complaints made to us by UBLHC (University of Bristol Ladies Hockey Club), we commissioned an external review of our Code of Conduct and framework.
The review has now taken place and the findings and recommendations have been presented to Bristol SU staff and trustees.
The findings show that there are significant opportunities to improve the Code of Conduct framework and the way it is applied. There are 41 recommendations which span the policy framework itself as well as how cases are initiated and managed. They address the culture of student groups and how non-students fit within the framework. Roles, responsibilities, governance, training and the relationship with the University are also addressed within the review.
The recommendations have been agreed and we believe they will enable us to develop a Code of Conduct framework that is fit for the future, robust, effective, professional, accessible, compliant, trauma-informed and human-centred.
Some of the recommendations can be adopted quickly, and others will require cultural change over a longer period of time and therefore will continue to be a priority for us over the coming year.
For now, we have published our new webpages in order to make the Code of Conduct, and complaints procedure as accessible, as easy to understand, and as easy to navigate as possible.
This includes:
- Our Member Code of Conduct sets out the standards of conduct and expected behaviours from all members of the Students’ Union.
- The Member Disciplinary Policy & Procedure provides a transparent framework for managing allegations of misconduct and ensuring that any disciplinary action, where necessary, is applied fairly and consistently.
- Our Student Groups Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from clubs and societies and the process we follow when groups fall short of these expectations.
- Our Complaints Policy provides a clear framework for raising and resolving any concerns or issues you might encounter.
We’re grateful to UBLHC for all their campaigning and input into this work. We thank them for their continued contribution and hard work in this important area.
UBLHC said:
"We’re incredibly proud of all the hard work that has gone into the process of shaping the Students' Union. We truly believe that when we return in September, it will be to a safer campus. We cannot wait to see our recommendations put forward in this code of conduct review, ensuring that the issue of sexual violence is finally being given the attention it deserves. It’s been a long journey, but the dedication and commitment from everyone involved have been inspiring. Together, we are making significant strides towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all students."
If you have any questions about the new Code of Conduct framework, please contact bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk
Interim Update (May)
In April, in response to complaints made to us by UBLHC, we commissioned an external review of our Code of Conduct and framework. Our aim is a Code of Conduct framework that is fit for the future and aligned to the needs and values of our students.
That work started in May and our external reviewers (Atkinson HR) have now met 40 students from different student groups as well as accepting written submissions. We are very grateful to the students that have given input and for the ongoing engagement of UBLHC.
Atkinson HR are now meeting stakeholders from across the SU, the University and the sector and identifying good practice from other institutions. In June, they will start to draw the different pieces of data together and begin to write up their findings and recommendations.
This will enable us to meet the timeline of completing the Review by the end of July, so that we can share the new Code with student group leaders before the start of group activities for 2024-25.
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 Atkinson HR 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.
