‘Inherent power imbalance’ | University of Manchester bans (some) staff-student relationships

The University of Manchester has updated its policy on staff-student relationships, following pressure from its regulator ahead of stricter sexual harassment legislation due this August.

Under the new rules, employees have been banned from forming “intimate” and “close personal” relationships with students for whom they “have responsibility.”

The shift also removed a clause that placed responsibilities for preventing abuses of power on “both parties,” after criticism that it was leaving students vulnerable.

University of Manchester updates staff ‘personal relationship policy’

In a statement, the university said it is “committed to fostering a safe, fair and supportive environment for both our employees and students,” and would be replacing its previous Consensual Relationship Policy with a new Personal Relationship Policy.