Bullying and sexual harassment data to be published by UCL

UCL will publish annual data regarding bullying and sexual harassment at the university in an attempt to increase transparency.

The action comes after it was revealed that it had not provided information to a Guardian investigation on bullying.

In an email sent to staff, after the Guardian article was published, UCL management reassured staff "that we treat all issues relating to harassment and bullying very seriously."

It was disclosed that UCL did not originally provide data for the investigation because the university was unable to gather data within the timeframe set by the freedom of information request (FoI).

The university is also currently reviewing processes and procedures in an effort to reduce bullying and sexual misconduct on campus.

Management has taken steps to ban the use of non-disclosure agreements to resolve bullying. The Guardian's original investigation found that around 300 academics across the UK were reported for bullying in recent years.

UCL has also created the new position of Preventing Sexual Misconduct Manager and is currently trialing a new online reporting system for sexual misconduct and bullying.

In 2012, the Students' Union established a Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment policy, which has since been infiltrated through many of its clubs and societies.

The Union offers active bystander sessions to all new students, as well as training to members of staff, which aims to provide the skills needed to challenge harassment.

For further information on how to report sexual misconduct or bullying, or for how to get involved with the Zero Tolerance campaign, please visit the Students' Union website.