We welcome UUK’s work on this very important issue.
Any student who encounters racial harassment needs to have their concerns taken seriously and responded to sensitively and fairly. Our good practice guidance is intended to support higher education providers to design good complaints processes and handle complaints effectively.
Felicity Mitchell, Independent Adjudicator said:
“We welcome the report’s recognition of the importance of responding effectively to concerns when they arise. It can be very difficult for a student who has experienced harassing behaviour to make a complaint. It is important for providers to make it as easy as possible for students to raise sensitive issues and to support them effectively when they do. We will continue to share learning from the complaints we see, working with the sector to help make this a reality for any student who is experiencing racial harassment.”
The Universities UK's report on tackling racial harassment in higher education can be found on their website
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact Sarah Liddell, Head of Leadership Office, mediarelations@oiahe.org.uk, 0118 959 9813.
- The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) is the independent student complaints ombuds service for higher education in England and Wales. It is the designated operator of the student complaints’ scheme under the Higher Education Act 2004.
- Our Scheme is free to students and has been designed to be accessible to all students, without the need for legal representation.
- We have a wide remit to review student complaints about higher education providers in England and Wales, as set out in our Scheme Rules.
- You can find further information about the Scheme and our work at https://www.oiahe.org.uk/.