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ARTICLE · 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

Handling Reports About Harassment And Sexual Misconduct – Good Practice Framework

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The Office of the Independent Adjudicator has published new guidance for universities and colleges on handling reports of harassment and sexual misconduct. This framework sets out core principles and operational good practice for institutions in England and Wales, providing detailed guidance on everything from initial disclosures through to disciplinary processes and appeals.

United KingdomConsumer Protection
Paul Greatrix
Paul Greatrix
Joanna Forbes
Joanna Forbes

Following a consultation earlier in the year, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) has published new guidance for universities and colleges on handling reports of harassment and sexual misconduct (September 15 2026). Institutions should now consider what the framework means for their existing policies and procedures, particularly alongside the regulatory requirements already in force in England and Wales.

We commented on the draft back in January 2026 – you can see our response here. We are pleased that a number of the points we raised in our submission have been picked up in the revised document.

What is in the Framework?

The Good Practice Framework sets out core principles and operational good practice for institutions in England and Wales. It seeks to provide good practice guidance for institutions in designing and operating procedures to investigate and respond to disclosures and reports about harassment of any kind and sexual misconduct. The framework also sets out

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