Recent release of staff and student relationships policy
According to updates on Cambridge University’s website, recent revisions have been made to its ‘policies & procedures’ note. University now banned faculty from “pursuing or entering into an intimate relationship with any student for whom they have any direct or indirect academic responsibilities.” While relationships between staff and students they do not teach are not officially banned, the university advises against them to prioritize student well-being.
This policy change follows reports of several forms of intimate relationships between students and staff at Cambridge, ranging from casual flirting to sexual intercourse.This decision reflects a recent policy adopted by Oxford University.
Here is the list of regulations for the ‘New staff and students relationship policy’ recently issued by Cambridge.
- A personal relationship of a sexual or other intimate nature between a member of staff and a student, with whom that member of staff also has a professional connection, gives rise to an actual or apparent
conflict of interest . In particular, such a relationship creates, or may reasonably be perceived to create, a risk of favouritism or abuse of authority. It also undermines the relationship of trust and confidence which is intrinsic to interactions between staff and students. - Members of staff are under a duty to act with integrity and not to place themselves in a position of actual or apparent conflict. A personal relationship in the circumstances described above should consequently be avoided.
- If a staff member has or had a personal relationship with a student they will professionally interact with, they must promptly disclose it to their Head of Department (or equivalent) or, if preferred, to a senior HR division member, who will then inform the Department Head on their behalf. Staff unsure about whether to disclose a relationship should do so as per this policy.
- Following disclosure, the person to whom the disclosure has been made will ensure as appropriate that the student is aware of the disclosure and that alternative arrangements are put in place to avoid the member of staff having any professional connection with the student.
- Failure to comply with this policy, or any arrangements which are put in place under it, may be treated as a
disciplinary matter .
Policy to safeguard both parties from unfairness
The policy aims to discourage consensual personal relationships of a sexual or intimate nature between staff and students, especially where the staff member holds a professional responsibility for the student. It ensures that if such a relationship does occur, measures are implemented to safeguard both parties from any perception of preferential treatment or unfairness.
Relationships in a college context
If a staff member holds responsibilities for both the University and a College, and they engage in a personal relationship with a student under their supervision, they may be subject to the College’s policies in addition to or instead of University policies, depending on the context of the professional connection. Guidance on such matters under College jurisdiction can be sought from the College’s senior tutor.
‘Duty to act with integrity’
Staff members must act with integrity and avoid situations of actual or perceived conflict. It is advisable to refrain from personal relationships as described above. However, if such a situation arises, staff must follow the disclosure requirements outlined in the policy and subsequent guidance.