English universities would be required to keep a register of all staff-student “personal relationships” under new proposals aimed at reducing harassment and sexual misconduct on campuses.
Staff members would have to declare details of any such relationship – defined as involving physical or romantic intimacy and/or financial dependency – with a student they supervise, teach or have responsibility for in any other way.
The Office for Students said if its proposal was adopted following consultation, it would be expected that any staff member found to be conducting a relationship that has not been disclosed “should be liable for dismissal”.
The register was the English regulator’s “preferred option” for addressing issues connected to the abuse of power and conflicts of interest that may arise when intimate relationships between staff and students develop, but it has also indicated it will consider views on an outright ban.
