Universities today face growing pressure to respond swiftly and visibly when concerns or allegations of sexual misconduct are raised by students. This shift has led to a clear increase in the number of cases being reported, as well as a rise in students seeking legal advice to navigate these complex and often daunting processes.

The manner in which Universities deal with such cases varies hugely, I have seen some quite concerning investigations into student conduct by some Universities. What is important to remember here is that University Investigating Officers are not trained to undertake such sensitive and specialised investigations. Their lack of training and experience can often mean students cannot expect a fair and impartial process. The Disciplinary Panels set up to hear such cases also hugely lack experience in these highly emotive and controversial cases. They can make life-changing decisions and findings with next to little or no qualification. Furthermore, the burden of proof is not that of a criminal court, it is much lower and is on the balance of probabilities.

We should also not overlook the impact these processes have on a student’s academic progress. Students are often immediately suspended pending investigation, and these suspensions can drag on for months, severely affecting their studies, social life, and mental wellbeing. When the police become involved, everything can come to a standstill, prolonging uncertainty for everyone involved. It is equally important to recognise the pressures that a poorly handled investigation places on victims; the consequences for them can be profound and can affect every area of their life. This is an exceptionally complex area and should not be left solely to academics to navigate.