Report and Support
An overview of our commitment to preventing and addressing harassment an sexual misconduct at London School of Theology.
London School of Theology (LST) is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all members of our community. The linked document serves as a key resource for understanding our policies, procedures and commitments related to harassment and sexual misconduct, in line with the Office for Students’ (OfS) Condition of Registration on harassment and sexual misconduct (Condition E6).
Key Policies & Forms
Who and Why?
Who Does This Apply To?
Our commitment applies to all members of the LST community—including students, staff, contractors, visitors, clients and third parties. It covers every form of harassment and sexual misconduct, whether it occurs in person, online, or in any LST related context.
Why Is This Important?
In addition to the LST’s Harassment and Sexual Misconduct policy for students, our Report and Support Guidance document aligns with other LST policies, particularly the Bullying policies for students and staff, Safeguarding policy and the Student Conduct and Discipline Rules, which work together to create a consistent and supportive approach.
By working together, we can create a culture of safety, respect and inclusivity where everyone feels valued and supported.
Our Policies
Key policies include:
- Harassment and Sexual Misconduct policies and our Bullying policies – details how we prevent address and respond to incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct and bullying.
- Safeguarding policy – outlines our commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of all members of our LST community, and how we meet our statutory duties to protect children, young adults and adults at risk.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies – demonstrates our commitment to creating an environment which ensures equality of opportunity for all.
- Student Conduct and Discipline Rules – outlines expected behaviors and the process for addressing student misconduct.
- Student Complaints and Grievance Procedure – ensures we appropriately address concerns about staff behavior or LST practice.
- Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech – provides guidelines on how freedom of speech should be exercised and protected within LST settings.
All LST policies can all be viewed here: www.lst.ac.uk/our-policies
These policies work together to provide a consistent and supportive approach to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
Report, Disclosure and Response
We recognise that reporting harassment or sexual misconduct can be difficult. That’s why we provide clear pathways, trained staff and accessible support to ensure that no one faces these challenges alone.
For students:
Trained Student Support staff are available for confidential support and advice.
This webpage gives step-by-step guidance on reporting options, including anonymous reporting, emergency contacts, and access to internal and external support services.
Students can also access Report and Support counselling, disability and dyslexia services, pastoral support, and academic adjustments if needed.
For staff:
Concerns about student misconduct can be reported through Care and Concern.
Incidents involving staff are handled through HR procedures or, where relevant, the Student Disciplinary Procedure.
Staff also have access to counselling, advice and legal support via the Employee Assistance Programme.
Breaking down barriers:
We are working to make reporting as accessible as possible. Initiatives include:
Online and confidential reporting. (see below)
Awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help.
- Training sessions and updates during the year.
How to report:
- Confidental online reporting form
- Confidental anonymous reporting document. Please download and complete the word document omitting your personal details and proof to the support and Report team at LST or the team at reception.
All reports are taken seriously, handled fairly, and never result in disadvantage for the person reporting.
Data
We use data collection and monitoring to strengthen our response and prevention efforts. Data is gathered through complaints, referrals, and reporting channels, and is used to:
Identify trends in harassment and misconduct.
Evaluate support services to ensure they meet community needs.
Improve reporting mechanisms by removing barriers and making them more user-friendly.
We are committed to transparency by publishing relevant data internally and externally. This helps us demonstrate accountability, measure progress, and highlight where further action is needed.
Investigation & Decision-making process
When allegations of misconduct are reported, LST follows a structured and impartial investigation process.
Investigations involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing documents, with confidentiality maintained throughout.
Decisions are based on whether misconduct is “more likely than not” to have occurred.
Outcomes may range from informal resolutions to formal sanctions, depending on severity.
Appeals are available if either party believes the process or decision was unfair.
These processes are regularly reviewed to ensure fairness, compliance with regulatory requirements, and alignment with best practice.
Handling Information
Confidentiality is central to our approach. All information relating to harassment or misconduct is managed in compliance with GDPR and institutional policies.
Information is shared only with those directly involved in the process.
Data is stored securely and used solely for the purpose of resolving cases.
Individuals are informed about how their information will be used, ensuring clarity and transparency.
For more details, please see our Data Protection Policy and Safeguarding Policy.
Staff training & Guidance
At LST, we ensure that staff are equipped to respond to disclosures of harassment, misconduct and other sensitive issues in a professional and supportive way. Training is tailored to different roles across the institution, with specialist preparation for those directly involved in handling disclosures and investigations.
Key training includes:
Safeguarding e-learning and group training sessions – giving all staff a foundation in recognising, responding to and reporting concerns.
Scenario-based training – practical exercises to prepare staff for real-life situations.
Sexual Harassment online course – covering prevention, recognition and appropriate responses.
Care and Concern team training – specialist preparation for first responders to disclosures.
Investigator training – equipping staff who investigate complaints with the skills for impartial, fair and thorough processes.
We are committed to continuous improvement. Training is regularly evaluated, updated to reflect new laws and best practice, and refined through staff feedback to remain effective and relevant.
Student learning & Awareness-raising
Students play a vital role in shaping a respectful and inclusive culture at LST. To support this, we provide learning opportunities and awareness-raising activities throughout the year.
Our key initiatives include:
Mandatory training during Freshers’ Week – ensuring every student understands our policies, expectations, and what constitutes harassment or sexual misconduct.
Awareness campaigns and communications – delivered across the academic year to promote understanding, highlight available support, and encourage reporting where needed.
Through these activities, we aim to ensure that all students are aware of their rights and responsibilities, and feel confident in accessing support if they or others are affected.
Governance
We are committed to transparency, accountability and improvement.
Updates – this policy is reviewed at least annually and updated in line with law, best practice, and feedback.
Accessibility – the document is made available on our website, staff and student hubs, and embedded in training materials.
Awareness – updates are shared through emails, newsletters, events, and communications.
Feedback – input from students and staff is actively sought to ensure our approach continues to meet the needs of the community.
Meet Our Care and Concern Team
Dan Davison – Chaplain & Safeguarding Officer
Annett Glaw – Student Pastoral Support Worker
Clara Badu-Amoah – Disability, Inclusion & Learning Support Manager, and Safeguarding Officer
Karen Minashi – HR Manager
Jonathan Mead – Director of Finance and Administration & Safeguarding Lead