Hate crime involves expressions or acts motivated by hostility or prejudice toward a person’s identity or perceived identity. This may be based on characteristics such as race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Hate incidents can include verbal abuse, harassment, threats, or physical violence.

Links / References : Hate crime, England and Wales, year ending March 2024 – GOV.UK

According to ACAS, bullying is characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, or an abuse or misuse of power that undermines, humiliates, or causes physical or emotional harm. It can be physical, verbal, or psychological, and usually involves repeated behaviour. Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates an individual’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Links / References : What bullying is – Bullying at work – Acas

Domestic violence (or domestic abuse) is a pattern of abusive behaviours used by one partner to maintain power and control over another in an intimate relationship. It can include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse, and occurs regardless of age, gender, or background.

Stalking is persistent and unwanted attention that causes fear or distress. It may include following someone, repeatedly contacting them, watching them, or monitoring their activities, including online or via social media.

Under the Equality Act 2010, sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. It may still be considered harassment even if unintentional or not directed at a specific person.

Links / References : Equality Act 2010, Section 26(2)

Sexual misconduct is unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. It includes sexual harassment, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, grooming, coercion, sexual invitations, comments, and non-verbal conduct that create discomfort or hostile environments. It may involve abuse of power or the promise of benefits in exchange for sexual access.

Links / References : Equality and Human Rights Commission: Sexual harassment and the law (2017)

Encompasses acts ranging from verbal harassment to forced penetration, coercion (through intimidation or social pressure), or physical force. It includes sexual offences such as groping or forced kissing, which may be criminal offences.

Adding substances to someone’s drink or body without their knowledge or consent, often to impair or harm them.

Crimes or incidents committed to protect or defend the honour of a family or community. These may include forced marriage, abuse, threats, or violence, often directed at individuals believed to have brought shame or dishonour.

Subtle, often unintentional, remarks or behaviours that convey prejudice or discrimination. Though minor individually, they can have a significant cumulative effect. Examples include stereotyping or backhanded compliments.

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to treat anyone unfairly or less favourably due to a protected characteristic. There are nine: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Links / References : Equality Act 2010

Extremely forceful actions intended to hurt individuals physically or cause damage to property.

Consent is the agreement to participate in a sexual act where the individual has both freedom and capacity to decide. It cannot be assumed from past consent, silence, or absence of resistance and can be withdrawn at any time.

Consent requires free participation. It is invalid if obtained through coercion, threat, exploitation of power, or from someone lacking capacity, even if no physical resistance is shown.

A person lacks capacity when asleep, unconscious, impaired (temporarily or permanently), or otherwise unaware that a sexual act is occurring. Conditions like cognitive or learning disabilities, or mental health crises, may also remove capacity.

May result from mental impairment, substance use, or intoxication. Indicators include slurred speech, loss of coordination, or unawareness of surroundings. Intoxication is never a defence for failing to obtain consent.

The misuse of authority or influence to exploit, coerce, manipulate, or pressure others. It may involve grooming, intimidation, or creating dependency in personal or professional contexts.

Links / References : Abuse of Power Policy

A gradual process used by a person in power to manipulate someone, often leading to sexual abuse or exploitation. It usually begins with gaining trust or affection.

Involves threats, intimidation, or harm that compel someone to engage in sexual activity against their will.

Occurs when someone is treated less favourably for being involved in a discrimination or harassment complaint. Examples include exclusion, demotion, or dismissal after reporting misconduct. It is a form of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

Links / References : ACAS – Victimisation guidance

Any act that knowingly helps, promotes, or encourages sexual misconduct or other unacceptable behaviour.

The act of an individual speaking to a Wellbeing Officer about their experiences to access support. It does not automatically trigger an investigation unless safeguarding duties apply.

Making an official complaint about an incident of bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct, triggering an investigation as per institutional policy. The Reporting Party is the individual raising the concern; the Reported Party is the person whose behaviour is alleged to constitute misconduct.

Complainant – person who raises a concern or reports sexual misconduct (may be the victim or a third party).
Alleged Perpetrator – individual accused of misconduct.
Witness – person who saw or can give evidence about an alleged incident.
Investigator – trained person appointed to investigate where appropriate.
Subject Matter Expert – specialist who may provide expert advice in complex cases.

Anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or been affected by an incident involving someone connected to the college can report it. This includes:

Staff complete a series of mandatory training and ongoing CPD sessions via our staff portal.

The training record is tracked in the staff portal, and ensures that all colleagues have an awareness of Sexual misconduct and support available.

Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee is established to uphold and respectful values, as well as support the wider consideration of these themes across UKMC. EDI committee and the Head of Wellbeing support training.

In accordance with the E6 requirements, Students will learn about Secual Misconduct in induction sessions or other appropriate times on the course.

Training resources are reviewed annually and via committee. UKMC also liaise with partners to ensure alignment with training.

Student feedback regarding any policies or procedures, or training, can be provided to your SST, course Director. Feedback can also be provided via Course Committees, or other committees which welcome student voice. If you are interested to join as a student representative, please contact an SST or email sst@ukmc.ac.uk

Staff Feedback is also requested following mandatory trainings, and training logs are recorded for mandatory trainings via HR portal.

All complaints will be handled confidentially and sensitively, in accordance with relevant legislation and internal policies, including the Data Protection Policy. However, details of a complaint may need to be shared with other authorised persons or organisations where necessary to conduct an investigation, achieve a fair resolution, or ensure the safety and wellbeing of the College community.

Information obtained from credible anonymous disclosures may nonetheless be used to inform policy review, institutional learning and preventative action.

Data is handled under the UKMC Data Protection Policy and UK GDPR (2018) to meet data handling and statutory reporting requirements.

UKMC takes deliberate or malicious false reporting seriously. Any individual found to have submitted a report or concern in bad faith may face disciplinary action under the relevant staff or student procedures.

UKMC is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and supportive environment in which individuals feel able to raise concerns and seek appropriate guidance. While the College does not normally act upon anonymous complaints, it recognises that some individuals may wish to share information without revealing their identity. In such cases, anonymous information may still be reviewed for potential patterns, risks, or safeguarding implications; however, the College’s ability to investigate or take direct action may be limited.

All concerns raised will be treated seriously and with fairness. The College reserves the right to disregard complaints that are unfounded, malicious or vexatious. Any individual found to have made a deliberately false or vexatious allegation may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the College’s policies and procedures.

While anonymity can enable individuals to come forward, it can also restrict the College’s ability to investigate effectively. Where possible, individuals are therefore encouraged to report concerns through established channels, reporting form, or line management, that allow for direct communication, safeguarding support and equitable resolution.

UKMC recognises that experiencing or witnessing discrimination, harassment, bullying, or violence can be deeply distressing. While internal reporting and support mechanisms are available, individuals may also wish to seek independent, confidential help from external organisations.

The following internal, and also national services, offer specialist advice, emotional support, and practical guidance to anyone affected by hate crime, sexual violence, domestic abuse, or other forms of harm. These organisations operate independently of UKMC and can be contacted directly for free, confidential assistance.

The Wellbeing Team is here to offer guidance, information, and support on matters related to health, disability, specific learning differences, safeguarding, and overall wellbeing.

If you have experienced anything that has made you feel unsafe, targeted, disrespected, or harmed, please remember, you are not alone, and it is always okay to speak up or report it.

You can book an appointment with a wellbeing officer by emailing wellbeing@ukmc.ac.uk