Supporting OfS regulations: harassment & sexual misconduct.

SaferSpace can support universities respond to harassment and sexual misconduct

As the Office for Students (OfS) rolls out tough new regulations to combat harassment and sexual misconduct (HSM) in universities and colleges, SaferSpace can help institutions comply effectively.

Background

SaferSpace, an easy to use platform designed to enhance campus safety, offers several features that align with the new requirements set out by the OfS. By using technology, SaferSpace can provide institutions with the tools required to create safer environments and ensure consistent and effective handling of HSM incidents.

How SaferSpace can help institutions

1. Centralised reporting and documentation:

Single comprehensive source of information compliance: SaferSpace allows institutions to centralise their policies and procedures, digitally in one easily accessible place. This feature can help institutions meet the OfS requirement for a single comprehensive source of information outlining their HSM policies, thereby ensuring clarity and transparency for students and staff.

Ease of access: Students can access this information via the app, ensuring they have immediate access to crucial information and reporting procedures.

2. Streamlined reporting mechanism:

User-friendly reporting: The app provides a simple, confidential platform for students to report incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct. This aligns with the OfS's emphasis on making reporting mechanisms clear and accessible.

Anonymous reporting: SaferSpace includes options for anonymous reporting, which can encourage more students to come forward without fear of retaliation or exposure.

3. Resource allocation and training:

Training modules: SaferSpace offers built-in training modules for staff and students, ensuring that everyone is appropriately educated on HSM issues. This supports the OfS requirement for comprehensive training and can be customised to meet the specific needs of each institution.

Resource management: The app helps universities track and manage resources dedicated to handling HSM cases, ensuring compliance with OfS's capacity and resource requirements.

4. Data Management and confidentiality:

Secure data handling: SaferSpace ensures that all data related to HSM incidents is securely stored and managed, aligning with OfS guidelines on confidentiality and data protection.

5. Transparency and accountability:

Incident tracking: The app’s tracking features allow universities to monitor the progress of HSM cases from report to resolution, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Reporting to OfS: SaferSpace can generate detailed reports that universities can submit to the OfS to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

6. Supporting personal relationships policy:

Relationship register: SaferSpace can include a feature to maintain a register of personal relationships between staff and students, helping institutions comply with the OfS’s preferred approach to managing such relationships.

7 . Implementation timeline:

Flexible integration: The app’s design allows universities to gradually integrate features, aligning with the extended timeline proposed by the OfS. This ensures that institutions can implement necessary changes without overwhelming their resources.

SaferSpace can help institutions to meet and exceed the expectations set by the OfS, ultimately creating a safer and more supportive environment for all students.