Staff and student personal relationship policy

The beginning of the new academic year is a good time to remind everyone of the policy.

It was developed following a wide consultation process to reflect the highest professional and ethical standards that both the University and Students’ Union are committed to maintaining.

Our joint position is clear. NTU staff should not enter into personal relationships that are sexual and/or romantic with students. To do so would be an act of gross misconduct.

Such intimate relationships are not condoned either by the University or our Students’ Union. They could compromise, or be perceived to compromise, trust, confidence, and professionalism. Pursuing such relationships will result in disciplinary action.

Of course, there may be some limited exceptions, such as for those couples in pre-existing partnerships. If an NTU staff member does have such a personal relationship with a student, they have a responsibility to inform the relevant authority as defined in the policy. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. More details are available in our policy on intimate relationships between staff and students.

If any student experiences any sexual harassment, including any attempt to form a sexual and/or romantic relationship from a member of staff at NTU, then this should be reported through our report and support service.

Similarly, if any member of staff at NTU experiences any sexual harassment, including any attempt to form a sexual and/or romantic relationship from a student, then this should also be reported through report and support.

All reports will be investigated in a thorough and timely manner.

Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University

Joe Cormack, NTSU President