The Office for Students (OfS) has announced the launch of a new survey which will measure the prevalence of sexual misconduct in English higher education.
A pilot prevalence survey will be run in 2025, with final year students across England being invited to take a short online sexual misconduct survey after they have completed the National Student Survey (NSS).
The sexual misconduct survey aims to learn more about students’ experience at a provider and national level, and follows the results of a survey with a small number of volunteer universities and colleges which were published in July this year. More details will be published later this month
John Blake, Director for Fair Access and Participation at the OfS, said:
'Students have told us that addressing harassment and sexual misconduct is a key priority for them, and our new regulation in this area will help to ensure they are better protected and supported. An important part of our ongoing work is understanding the prevalence of sexual misconduct, and this pilot survey will give students in England the opportunity to tell us about their experiences.
'We recognise these are sensitive and upsetting issues, and students will be able to opt-out of the whole survey, or not answer individual questions. But by anonymously sharing their experiences, students will help universities and colleges to better understand the issues affecting them, and to tailor their approach accordingly.'
Notes
- The Office for Students is the independent regulator for higher education in England. Our aim is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.
- This survey will use the NSS platform but will not be a formal part of the NSS.
- Read more about our pilot survey on the prevalence of sexual misconduct at higher education providers and the evaluation findings of this work.