Sexual Misconduct, Harassment Support and Reporting

1. What is Bullying?

Bullying is behaviour that is offensive, malicious, intimidating, or insulting. It often involves a misuse of power, through authority, influence or intimidation with the intent to degrade, belittle, or cause harm. Bullying may be physical, emotional, or psychological and does not need to be repeated to be serious. A single incident may be considered bullying if it causes significant distress.

2. What is Harassment?

Harassment is unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic (such as sex, race, disability, or gender identity) that violates someone’s dignity or creates a hostile, degrading or offensive environment. Harassment may be a one-off incident or repeated behaviour and can affect anyone even if they are not the direct target.

Harassment may also include:

• Embarrassing, offensive or threatening comments or conduct

• Behaviour that causes distress or alarm

• Harassment by association or perception

Under the Equality Act 2010 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, a person may be found to have harassed another if:

• They knew their conduct was likely to cause harm, or

• A reasonable person would consider the conduct to be harassment

3. What is Sexual Misconduct?

Sexual misconduct refers to any unwanted or attempted unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. It includes behaviour that may be inappropriate, harmful or criminal. This includes:

• Sexual harassment (e.g. unwanted comments, leering, or jokes)

• Sexual assault or attempted assault

• Rape (as defined under the Sexual Offences Act 2003)

• Unwelcome sexual advances or gestures

• Sharing or displaying sexual material without consent

• Invasive acts such as ‘upskirting’ or non-consensual recording

• Sexually suggestive messages, remarks, or behaviour (in person or online)

Such conduct may violate dignity, cause distress, or create an intimidating or hostile environment. Even where criminal charges are not pursued, LDT will treat all allegations seriously and take appropriate action under internal procedures.

4. Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour

LDT does not tolerate any of the following:

• Insensitive or offensive jokes or pranks

• Comments about appearance, gender identity or character

• Sharing offensive images or written content

• Abusive language, threats or shouting

• Excluding others from activities or conversations

• Sexual jokes, gestures, remarks or questions

• Staring, leering, whistling or catcalling

• Any form of unwanted touching or sexual advance

• Offers of rewards or penalties linked to sexual favours

• Ridiculing someone for who they are or how they identify

This list is illustrative and not exhaustive.

5. Reporting a Concern

If you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct or harassment, you are encouraged to report it.

Report confidentially:

• Use our form below

• Or, contact our Safeguarding or Conduct Team

You can choose to report:

• Anonymously

• With your details to access further support or start formal procedures

6. Support for Students and Staff

We understand that coming forward can be difficult. Support is available to you whether or not you choose to make a formal report.

Support includes:

• Access to trained advisers

• Counselling and mental health services

• Academic or workplace adjustments

• Signposting to external specialist services

7. What Happens After a Report is Made?

We will take all reports seriously and respond with care and professionalism. All reports are handled in line with our formal procedures.

8. Contact Information

• Safeguarding Office: safeguarding@ldtraining.ac.uk

• HR/Staff Support: hrd@ldtraining.ac.uk

• Conduct: conduct@ldtraining.ac.uk