Revised Personal Relationships Policy

UCL has revised and strengthened its Personal Relationships Policy to ensure it is not only compliant with the new Office for Students E6 Regulation, but goes further than the requirements.

This complements the already revised Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy. Staff in a relationship covered by the policy must submit a new notification to UCL via a new online notification form which is now live and accessible via the updated policy. 

UCL is committed to the ongoing protection of its staff and students from harassment and sexual misconduct.

UCL values the different and rich informal interactions between students and staff that are such an important part of studying at UCL. However, it is important that these interactions do not stray into unacceptable behaviour. 

Relationships covered by the policy

• All “Relevant Staff Members” who have direct or indirect academic responsibility or other direct professional responsibility for a student are prohibited from entering into an intimate relationship, a close friendship, or a financial relationship with them.
• Outside of this prohibition, any staff member who is in or enters into an intimate relationship with any student, must notify UCL about this relationship.  
• Some family relationships will need to be notified to UCL.
• Personal relationships between colleagues are not prohibited but will need to be notified in some circumstances.
• Some existing personal relationships which are now covered under the new policy will need to be notified to UCL.  
• Staff must disclose any personal relationships which should have already been notified under the previous Personal Relationships Policy.
   

Requirements for all staff

• All members of staff must familiarise themselves with the new policy and consider whether they need to notify UCL about any new or existing relationships
• The relevant HR Business Partner will review any notifications and will discuss with the staff member’s Line Manager and Student’s Head of Department (where relevant) as to whether a Personal Relationships Management Plan needs to be implemented.
• Staff can speak to their Line Manager, Head of Department or HR Business Partner (or local HR team) if they need advice
• Staff may also contact the HR Policy Team for further advice about this new policy

Notification Process

Staff who are in any personal relationship covered by the policy must submit a new notification to UCL via a new online notification form which is accessible via the updated policy.   

This includes staff who are in existing relationships, already disclosed under the previous Personal Relationships Policy.  Staff have until Monday 22 September, to notify UCL about any relationship covered under the policy.  
 
Any breaches of the policy will be investigated and may lead to disciplinary action. 

Mandatory training in Autumn

All staff at UCL will be auto enrolled to a new  mandatory training module in the Autumn to ensure that everyone understands that bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct towards students and staff is unacceptable.  Students will receive similar training.