Student harassment and sexual misconduct
This webpage summarises FutureLearn’s policies and procedures on student harassment and sexual misconduct, including intimate personal relationships between staff members and students.
This webpage is the ‘single comprehensive source of information’ required by the Office for Students (OfS registration condition E6).
At FutureLearn, harassment and sexual misconduct are taken very seriously, and both are clearly defined in line with UK law.
Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment as defined by the Equality Act 2010 and Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This includes harassment by association or perception.
Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, persistent malicious or insulting behaviour, including an abuse of power to undermine, humiliate or injure the recipient. Power does not always mean being in a position of authority but can include both personal strength and the power to coerce through fear or intimidation.
Sexual misconduct refers to any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This can take many forms. It includes sexual harassment, which is defined under the Equality Act 2010, as well as more serious criminal offences such as sexual assault and rape, both set out in the Sexual Offences Act 2003. It also covers physical sexual advances that a person does not welcome, attempts to pressure or coerce someone by offering benefits or threatening disadvantage in exchange for sexual favours, and the non-consensual sharing of explicit images or video content, often referred to as “revenge porn,” which is prohibited under the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.
Students who want to learn more about what constitutes bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct are encouraged to read FutureLearn’s policy on Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment.
Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment as defined by the Equality Act 2010 and Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This includes harassment by association or perception.
Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, persistent malicious or insulting behaviour, including an abuse of power to undermine, humiliate or injure the recipient. Power does not always mean being in a position of authority but can include both personal strength and the power to coerce through fear or intimidation.
Sexual misconduct refers to any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This can take many forms. It includes sexual harassment, which is defined under the Equality Act 2010, as well as more serious criminal offences such as sexual assault and rape, both set out in the Sexual Offences Act 2003. It also covers physical sexual advances that a person does not welcome, attempts to pressure or coerce someone by offering benefits or threatening disadvantage in exchange for sexual favours, and the non-consensual sharing of explicit images or video content, often referred to as “revenge porn,” which is prohibited under the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.
Students who want to learn more about what constitutes bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct are encouraged to read FutureLearn’s policy on Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment.
FutureLearn is committed to aligning with the principles and guidance set out in the Office for Students’ (OfS) Condition of Registration (E6). This resource is the Single Source of Information (SSI) referenced in E6.2.
Condition E6 covers subject matter relating to incidents of harassment and/or sexual misconduct which affects one or more students (including the conduct of staff towards students and/or the conduct of students towards students). It applies in relation to students on higher education courses provided in any manner or form by or on behalf of a provider.
Condition E6 covers subject matter relating to incidents of harassment and/or sexual misconduct which affects one or more students (including the conduct of staff towards students and/or the conduct of students towards students). It applies in relation to students on higher education courses provided in any manner or form by or on behalf of a provider.
There are several related student and staff policies to be considered alongside the Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy. These include:
- Pregnancy, Adoption & Family Leave Policy (Students)
- Religion & Belief Policy
- Code of Conduct (Student)
- Student Complaints Policy
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy
- Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech
- Student Disciplinary Procedure
- Safeguarding and Prevent Duty Policy
- Fitness to Study Policy
- Data Protection Policy
- Dignity at Work Policy
- Staff Disciplinary Policy and Procedure
FutureLearn provides a portal, Report + Support, which students and staff can use to disclose bullying, discrimination, harassment, hate crime and sexual misconduct. Students can disclose anonymously or ask to speak to a Student Support officer to get information on reporting options and support available so that they can make an informed decision on what happens next.
The Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy sets out other options which students and staff have for disclosing concerns if they don’t want to use Report + Support, including contacting Student Support for action to be taken under the appropriate policy. We would however encourage students and staff to consider using Report + Support in the first instance so that they can access specialist support from a trained advisor.
The Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy sets out other options which students and staff have for disclosing concerns if they don’t want to use Report + Support, including contacting Student Support for action to be taken under the appropriate policy. We would however encourage students and staff to consider using Report + Support in the first instance so that they can access specialist support from a trained advisor.
Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by harassment and sexual misconduct using the Report + Support portal. They can choose to do this anonymously or they can request support from a Student Support Officer. If they choose to speak to an officer, they will be able to talk through the reporting options and support available, in confidence.
A range of support is available within and outside FutureLearn for students and staff who have experienced harassment and sexual misconduct. For further information about support options, please refer to the following:
Internal Support:
A range of support is available within and outside FutureLearn for students and staff who have experienced harassment and sexual misconduct. For further information about support options, please refer to the following:
Internal Support:
- Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy (including section 15.1)
External Partner Support:
- For Brunel online students: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/life/supporting-you/harassment-and-sexual-misconduct-support
- For Roehampton online students: https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/student-support/sexual-misconduct/
External Support includes:
- In an emergency situation call 999.
- Catch 22 Victim Services supports people impacted by crime and anti-social behaviour.
- Crimestoppers is a national charity with a helpline for reporting crime anonymously.
- Galop is a national charity providing advice and support to members of the LGBT+ community.
- Hope After Harm – Support to victims, offenders and families impacted by the Criminal Justice System provides innovative services and non-judgemental quality support to victim survivors and families involved in or impacted by criminal, civil and family justice issues.
- The Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or any other family member).
- Outcry Witness provides a safe, secure, and completely anonymous platform for victims of sexual violence to get information and keep a record of their experience so that they have control over the choices they decide to make.
- Rape Crisis is a national charity offering confidential help, advice and a range of help centres around the UK.
- Refuge supports women and children with a range of services including refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach and cultural-specific services.
- Safeline is a specialist sexual violence and abuse charity led by the needs of its clients.
- Survivors UK is a national charity supporting men who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
- The Havens are specialist centres across London where victims of rape and serious sexual assault can get support and advice. Even if you’re not ready to talk to the police, the Havens can provide you with medical help and advice about your options in confidence.
- The Survivors Trust provides specialist support for women, men and children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sex abuse.
- Victim Support is a national charity dedicated to helping anyone affected by crime – not just victims and witnesses, but friends, family and anyone else caught up in the aftermath.
- Women’s Aid is a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.
As indicated in the Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy, students facing allegations will be provided with a named student services team member who they can contact for support.
The following policies are relevant to how FutureLearn investigates allegations of student harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct:
The Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy defines what harassment and sexual misconduct are and sets out FutureLearn’s approach to preventing and addressing harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct.
In terms of how incidents are investigated, the Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy specifies that:
The Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy defines what harassment and sexual misconduct are and sets out FutureLearn’s approach to preventing and addressing harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct.
In terms of how incidents are investigated, the Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy specifies that:
- The Student Disciplinary Procedure will be used to investigate allegations of harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct against students.
- The Staff Disciplinary Policy and Procedure will be used to investigate allegations of harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct made by students against staff.
The Student Disciplinary Procedure and the Staff Disciplinary Policy and Procedure set out how allegations will be investigated fairly, including timescales, stages, penalties and appeal provisions.
Maintaining confidentiality is central to promoting an environment where individuals feel secure and supported in speaking up about harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct. FutureLearn is committed to taking all reasonable measures to safeguard the privacy of anyone who comes forward. In some situations, however, such as when it is necessary to protect someone who may be at risk it may be required to share information either within the organisation or with external agencies.
More detailed guidance on how confidentiality is managed, and the circumstances in which information may need to be shared, can be found in the Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy, and the Safeguarding and Prevent Duty Policy.
More detailed guidance on how confidentiality is managed, and the circumstances in which information may need to be shared, can be found in the Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy, and the Safeguarding and Prevent Duty Policy.
In accordance with the Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy, where it is reasonable and practicable to do so in accordance with its duties and obligations under data protection legislation, FutureLearn will provide the student that has raised an allegation of harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct with an outcome of the investigation and/or an explanation of any actions that FutureLearn has taken, or not taken. This includes where the outcome is changed for any reason. However, it may only be possible for FutureLearn to provide limited information depending on the circumstances.
FutureLearn is committed to ensuring that students understand what harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct is, how to report it, the support available to them, what consent is and how to intervene effectively.
- Understanding what constitutes harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct is essential for everyone in FutureLearn’s community. To support this, all new students are required to complete training when they join FutureLearn. This training is designed to familiarise them with FutureLearn’s policies and procedures, as well as to highlight behaviours that may amount to harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct.
- FutureLearn recognises that some of the material may be difficult or triggering. If this is the case, students can let FutureLearn know, and alternative options may be considered. However, the training is a compulsory part of enrolment, and all students are expected to complete it.
- During student induction, FutureLearn provides sessions for students on promoting awareness of how to disclose incidents and concerns through the Report + Support portal.
- Alongside the mandatory training for all students will be educated on bystander training, what it means, the role of the bystander and support available to the bystander. This will empower students to confidently and successfully intervene during incidents of harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct.
From August 2025 all staff will be required to undertake a mandatory training module on Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Misconduct. This aims to ensure:
- that staff understand behaviour that may constitute harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct.
- that staff have the required knowledge and skills to support students who wish to make allegations or complaints about harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct.
- that staff have the required knowledge and skills to support students who have alleged or experienced incidents of harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct.
- that staff have the required knowledge and skills to support students who are the actual or alleged perpetrators of incidents of harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct.
- that staff have the required knowledge and skills to support students who are ‘bystanders’ and disclose or plan to disclose allegations of harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct.
FutureLearn is currently developing staff training in line with E6 conditions. This mandatory training will be available from January 2026.
FutureLearn is committed to protecting students from any actual or potential conflict of interest and/or abuse of power that may arise from intimate personal relationships with staff. FutureLearn’s Sexual Misconduct, Bullying and Harassment Policy bans personal relationships between staff and students, except for pre-existing relationships which must be declared so any conflicts of interest can be managed.
FutureLearn is committed to taking steps that will make a significant and credible difference to protecting students from harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct. These include:
- Analysing and publishing data on use of our Report + Support reporting portal. FutureLearn’s annual report covering student disclosures will be available on the Report and Support portal from 2026.
- Building feedback surveys into FutureLearn’s online training for students and staff, evaluating the results and making changes to the training where appropriate.
FutureLearn will not use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in relation to complaints of sexual harassment, abuse, misconduct, or other forms of harassment and bullying. In addition, since September 2024 the Office for Students has prohibited universities from using NDAs in relation to student allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct.
FutureLearn’s policies are published on its website. FutureLearn’s policies and regulations are designed in collaboration and consultation with the student body. Students are represented in key decision-making bodies such as the Learning and Teaching Committee, Student Engagement, Quality and Programmes Committee, and Academic Standards and Quality Committee. As such, FutureLearn is committed to seeking and acting on feedback to help it continuously review and improve its approach to addressing bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct. Feedback can be emailed to registry@futurelearn.com.
Download a copy of the policy
Read more about FutureLearn’s Sexual Misconduct, Bullying & Harassment policy.