Members of a student group have told Redbrick that there was a ‘delay’ and ‘lack of action’ from the Guild of Students following a sexual harassment complaint. 

The initial complaint email, informing the Guild of the harassment, was sent on the 28th February 2020. It stated that society members wished to make ‘formal complaints’ against two of their members, and that a large part of what ‘pushed them to complain’ was that both members ‘intend to run for committee’. The email then detailed the reasons for complaint, highlighting specific instances of inappropriate behaviour alongside dates, beginning February 2019.

On July 31st 2020, over four months later, the Guild of Students responded, stating that there was ‘limited action that could be taken with the information provided within the Student Groups Complaints Procedure.’ 

The Student Group then sent a follow up email, stating that they were ‘not satisfied with this response’ and informing the Guild again that ‘they are experienced members who help instruct freshers, and we are not comfortable, given what happened last year.’

In response, the Guild directed the members back to the complaints process, stating: ‘The complaints process contains further information if you are not satisfied and can be found on our website.’

One of the society members who was part of the complaint process and who has chosen to remain anonymous told Redbrick that ‘It’s disappointing to see that despite arranging Not On talks for committees the Guild fails to see that it’s part of the problem when it comes to protecting women, the delay in responding to us failed to give the situation the gravity it needed.’

The source also voiced their concern over the safety of future society members stating that ‘the Guild is essentially suggesting there’s no way to prevent that, hence further instances in the future.’

When Redbrick asked the Guild for a comment, Amie Raphael, Activities and Employability Officer told Redbrick, ‘Firstly, please accept my sincere apologies for not replying to your emails dated 22nd and 30th December, but I was away from the office for the Christmas break, so didn’t have access to my emails.

‘In answer to your question, I can confirm that the Guild‘s complaints panel have met to discuss all outstanding complaints and identify and agree any further action that may be needed.  As we treat all complaints confidentially, I’m sure you can appreciate that we cannot comment on the details of any individual complaints.

‘I should explain that under our complaints process (www.guildofstudents.com/complaints/) we always try to provide a prompt response, and our aim is to respond within 14 days. On occasion this process can take longer for a number of reasons, in particular where the complaint that has been made is complex and where further investigations have to be carried out.’

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Read more Redbrick articles about this issue here:

Why the Trivilisation of Sexual Harassment Needs to Be Stopped

Sexual Assault Victims Need Support, Says Guild Officer

Understand Before You Comment: Rape Culture at UK Universities