Policies and Legislation

GBS is committed to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and visitors.

We do not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment, victimisation, or discrimination.

If you have experienced or witnessed such behaviour, we strongly encourage you to seek support.

You are encouraged to seek help even if you’re not ready to take further action. Support is available regardless of your decision.

Students can email the Student Welfare Team or fill out the Safeguarding Form.

Staff can speak with their local HR Officers or contact the Senior Employee Relations Manager.

1. Our Support for You

Our Sexual Violence and Misconduct Liaison Officers (SVMLOs) support students who have experienced any form of sexual misconduct. Staff members can reach out to the Human Resources Department.

Our Approach

• We will believe you and be led by you. You are in control of what steps to take.
• We use a trauma-informed approach, so you don’t have to relive your experience.
• We provide a safe, non-judgmental space.
• We understand that individual experiences and identities shape how one experiences sexual violence.
• We maintain confidentiality unless there's a significant risk to you or someone else. This will always be discussed with you first.

We Will

• Help ensure your immediate safety and assist in arranging support if needed.
• Connect you with specialist support services tailored to your needs.
• Provide guidance and tools to help you process the experience.
• Support your academic accommodations if your studies are affected.
• Assist you through the reporting process, if you choose to report.
• Coordinate with your Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) if you’ve reported to the police.

2. Confidentiality Statement

All GBS services are committed to:

1. Treating you with dignity and respect and handling your information sensitively.
2. Operating within the Student Code of Conduct.
3. Sharing information internally only when necessary to provide effective support.
4. Collecting essential information during application to ensure timely support.

Sharing Information with Third Parties

5. Only relevant information is shared with external professionals, such as NHS or funding bodies, and you will be informed unless there are serious welfare concerns.
6. We do not respond to third-party (e.g., parents, family) requests unless you give clear prior consent or there’s a legal obligation (e.g., police).
7. We may share information when legally required, e.g., to prevent crime or terrorism.
8. Staff must report safeguarding concerns to senior personnel, who may escalate them to external agencies.

Information Storage

9. We comply with GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act 2018.
10. Records are securely stored and only accessed by relevant staff.
11. Systems shared with other services limit access to authorized personnel only.