Sexual harassment: it's #NeverOK

As the University’s #NeverOK campaign is relaunched this week, colleagues are being reminded to consider their own actions and call out offensive and harmful behaviour to help promote a positive culture on campus. 

The #NeverOK campaign runs from 6-10 February and aims to remind staff, students and visitors to campus that sexual harassment, violence and other behaviour that goes against our principles of respect and inclusiveness are not tolerated at Reading. 

In a video message to colleagues, Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort has reinforced this message and called on everyone in our community to treat others with respect and take a stand against unacceptable behaviours. 

#NeverOK 

The #NeverOK campaign is a partnership between the University and RUSU and tackles negative behaviours, including abuse, bullying, discrimination and harassment of any kind, including sexual violence, hate crime, racism and violence. 

This week’s activities focus on the harm that sexual harassment can cause, and why it’s important to tackle it to make our campus a safer place for students, staff and visitors.  

Taking action 

Colleagues can sign up for new Active Bystander training later this month, empowering everyone to speak up if they observe sexual harassment, racism and bullying. Register now on UoR Learn. 

The next training session takes place on 21 February, but classes are available each month. 

Students will also be encouraged to sign a pledge against sexual harassment, and the Essentials blog will signpost new advice on how to report and speak out against harassment throughout the week. 

Professor Van de Noort recently set out in a blog post the importance of acknowledging the problem of harassment, and how we all have a personal responsibility to consider our own behaviour. 

He also highlighted the policies that the University has in place to promote a safe environment and positive culture, including recently-published rules around student-staff relationships. 

Staff can report unacceptable behaviour they experience or witness by following the University’s Harassment and Bully Procedure.