By Aimee Anderson, News Deputy Editor
In March 2024, the University of Bristol Ladies Hockey Club (UBLHC) submitted an open letter to the SU, asking it to update its Code of Conduct because of ‘significant shortcomings of the Code in addressing the full spectrum of sexual misconduct.’ The previous code of conduct did not make explicit reference to sexual assault or rape.
In April 2024, Bristol SU announced that it would commission an external review of its Code of Conduct, to be carried out by AtkinsonHR.
The Code of Conduct Review made 42 recommendations to the SU. The updated code of conduct was adopted in August 2024, and can be found on this webpage.
In a statement to Epigram, the SU said:
‘Since the Code of Conduct Review concluded in July 2024, we have made significant progress. All of the most urgent recommendations have now been completed, with 31 actions completed in total. Work on the actions was informed by the priority ranking provided by Atkinson HR.’
‘We are fully committed to completing the remaining 11 recommendations which are still in progress, and continuing to improve the support we offer to student groups. This work is ongoing and will remain a priority as we move into our next strategic cycle.’
UBLHC’s open letter made four demands to the SU:
- Update the Code of Conduct to directly include sexual assault and rape.
- Create a concise framework with clear signposting for both committee members and SU alike to follow, should a sexual assault or rape complaint to be raised.
- Automatic and immediate suspension for members from SU activity if under investigation for sexual assault or rape.
- Mandatory welfare training and wellbeing support for all committee members.
All four of UBLHC’s demands have been met under the new Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct now directly prohibits sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment.
There are resources for dealing with complaints of sexual assault or rape on the same webpage where the new Code of Conduct is available. The webpage for support of Student Group leaders gives further guidance to these individuals on ‘Managing Conduct’ and ‘Dealing with Disclosures.’
Under the new Disciplinary Policy, ‘where misconduct allegations are of a serious nature including serious sexual misconduct, it will usually be the case that the respondent is temporarily restricted from all Students’ Union activities pending investigation, unless there is a clear case and evidence that the respondent would not present a risk to others.’
Julia Mullins
UBLHC’s demand for mandatory welfare training was expressed slightly differently in AtkinsonHR’s review, which was agreed on by the club. As a result, welfare training has not been made mandatory for all committee members.
Instead, mandatory Wellbeing Champion positions have been introduced to committees, which have role-specific essential training.
All student groups have been encouraged to complete the Consent Matters course. The SU is also looking at ways to embed this into the reaffiliation process for student groups.
The SU also offers optional training courses on various related subjects, which can be found here.
The SU’s statement also mentioned that they are now involved in ‘city-wide groups tackling nighttime safety and sexual violence, as well as working closely with the University on these issues.’
UBLHC told Epigram that, since the Open Letter in 2024, they ‘believe that both clubs [UBLHC and UBMHC] have worked hard towards rebuilding a relationship based on shared values of respect, which benefits all parties.’
In a joint statement to Epigram, UBLHC and UBMHC said:
‘Five committee members in particular, Liv Merry (CC), Esme Doherty (VCC), Annabel Macken, Poppy Warbuton and Sophie Raymond, worked tirelessly alongside the SU to help bring about significant change.’
‘Reflecting on the Open Letter, we are incredibly proud that we had the opportunity to create real and impactful change, especially grateful to have turned personal hardships into something positive. UBLHC believes the SU has changed for the better. There is still a long way to go to make Bristol and other universities safer, and to ensure survivors of sexual violence receive the support they deserve; but the Open Letter proved that the SU was willing to listen and work with its students to move forward.’
Featured Image: Epigram / Sophie Maclaren
