University awarded funding to help prevent sexual harassment

15th March 2017

Sheffield Hallam University has been awarded funding to support projects to address concerns about sexual violence and harassment on campus as part of a national campaign.

The University is one of more than 60 institutions across the UK to be awarded grants from a £2.45m fund set up by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The grants were issued in response to a report by the Universities UK Harassment Task Force which explored the nature and scale of the problem in higher education, and highlighted the need for institutions to respond more effectively. The projects are being developed with students, who will have pivotal roles in their delivery. They will cover a wide range of activity, including training and awareness raising, digital innovation, and new approaches to prevention and reporting. The project will build on the successful work already undertaken to engage students, and increase awareness of expectations over behaviour. Dr Jill LeBihan, Head of Student Engagement at Sheffield Hallam, said: "We're pleased to receive funding from HEFCE to support our work with staff and students on creating a community where harassment is not tolerated. "We hope that by working with current staff and students, to create resources and training programmes, we can set expectations about integrity, professionalism and respect, and lay the foundations for positive cultural change." Universities Minister Jo Johnson said: -The interest and response to HEFCE's fund has been hugely encouraging. "The number of projects announced and the support shown reinforces the willingness of universities, across the country, to support staff and students in providing safe and secure campuses and I look forward to seeing the impact of these projects in due course.