The sensitive nature of bullying and harassment means that many institutions find it difficult to obtain information from staff regarding their experiences. As a neutral third party, Advance HE’s bespoke research on bullying and harassment provides institutions with invaluable insight into the prevalence and impact of bullying and harassment in their institution, as well as recommendations for how to improve staff perceptions and experiences.
Want to find out more?
Do you want find out more about our Bullying and Harassment Bespoke Research? Complete the form by clicking the button below and we will send you information sheets and be in touch shortly to discuss your requirements.
Find out more about how the audits work and how they can benefit your institution
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How your institution could benefit
- Support in understanding bullying and harassment, a topic that is of sensitive nature and often difficult to address;
- Develop a clear picture of where you currently stand and how to address the issues identified;
- Tailored data collection and advice from Advance HE;
- Opportunity to raise your profile and further engage your staff;
- See how your current approaches compare to others; and
- Identify your strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement.
“Initially I had reservations about working with external researchers but these were unfounded. I particularly welcomed working in partnership with researchers who were familiar with the issues we face. The ease of contacting them was fantastic and I really was delighted that the final report was delivered ahead of schedule.”
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, UK HEI
The bespoke research options
- Whether the prevalence of bullying and harassment reported is an accurate reflection of that which takes place within the institution;
- The impact of bullying and harassment within the institution on staff (eg staff development, retention) and the institution’s workplace culture;
- Staff confidence in reporting bullying and harassment and whether current reporting mechanisms are effective/sufficient; and
- The avenues that the institution can investigate to reduce bullying and harassment and improve staff perceptions and the workplace culture within the institution.
These research questions are an example of the topics addressed in this work, but additional topics or concerns can be explored depending on the institution’s requirements. For example, this research can be conducted with students as well as staff if the institution would like to learn about the experiences and perceptions of both populations.
Want to find out more?
Do you want find out more about our Bullying and Harassment Bespoke Research? Complete the form by clicking the button below and we will send you information sheets and be in touch shortly to discuss your requirements.
Structure
This bespoke research consists of a series of focus groups and interviews with target members of staff, and the number of focus groups, interviews and target sample is tailored to individual institution’s needs and context.
Stage one: Needs assessment and project planning
An Advance HE Researcher will schedule a preliminary meeting to discuss your specific needs, which research questions are relevant to your institution and any additional issues or questions that you would like addressed. Based on this discussion, the Researcher will draft a research proposal outlining the number of focus groups, interviews and target members of staff for you to review along with a timeline and estimated budget.
Stage two: Recruitment and data collection
Institutions will be provided with recruitment materials (such as cover letters, consent forms, and so on) to distribute to eligible staff members. Those interested in participating will be asked to contact the Researcher directly to schedule their interview/focus group attendance in order to maintain their anonymity.
Stage three: Data analysis and synthesis into a final report
An inductive, thematic analysis will be applied to focus group and interview data and summarised in a cohesive, individualised report for the institution. The final report will not only address the research aims, but also highlight what institutions are getting right and which areas may need improving. Although findings in this report should inform future equality and diversity work, responses to recommendations made in this report will not necessarily result in an Athena SWAN or Race Equality Charter award for the institution or departments.
If desired, the Researcher can present the findings to relevant staff at the institution in the form of a workshop.
If desired, the Researcher can present the findings to relevant staff at the institution in the form of a workshop.
Why us?
Advance HE is well-positioned to undertake this work in terms of its organisational features, understanding and experience, and project team capabilities. Our Research team is experienced in undertaking quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, particularly with a view to understanding, identifying and embedding impactful equality practices in HE and research. We possess a wide array of expertise in cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental research designs, using a variety of methods including surveys, focus groups, interviews, case studies, and systematic reviews.
Useful resources
The following resources have been created to share good practice and guidance:
Dignity at work: a good practice guide for higher education institutions
A good practice guide on dealing with bullying and harassment in the workplace
Promoting good relations on campus: a guide for higher and further education
Guidelines for fostering good relations, preventing hate crime and managing intolerance on campus
Evaluation of Safeguarding Students Catalyst Fund Projects
Catalyst funding from the Office for Students is aimed at promoting safeguarding for students in higher education. The Catalyst Fund allocated £4.4million in one-to-one match funding to help higher education institutions (HEIs) with 108 one-year projects designed to keep students safe from sexual misconduct, hate crime and online harassment.