Sussex staff invited to contribute to independent review
All Sussex staff are invited to contribute to an independent review that will consider how the University of Sussex responded to a case of domestic violence perpetrated by a member of staff against a student.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VENUE FOR THE EVENT HAS CHANGED TO THE MEETING HOUSE,
NOT BRAMBER HOUSE AS PREVIOUSLY STATED
The purpose of the review is to
a) identify aspects of poor and good practice in the handling of the case
b) and make recommendations to improve future policy and practice.
The Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell, has asked Professor Nicole Westmarland to conduct the review. She is a Professor of Criminology at Durham University and Director of the Durham Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse.
Professor Westmarland also has a long history of work within women’s organisations, including being Chair of Rape Crisis (England and Wales) for five years and being a trustee of other violence and abuse charities.
She recently sat on the Durham University Sexual Violence Task Force and has chaired and advised a number of government committees.
Professor Westmarland’s first visit to Sussex will be taking place later this month and she has invited those who were directly involved in providing the University response to speak to her individually.
However, as this case has raised concern more broadly, Professor Westmarland is inviting all Sussex staff and students to contribute to the review.
If you would like to contribute to identifying the poor and good practice in this case and consider how future policy and practice can be improved, please come to an open session on Tuesday 27 September from 12.30-1.30pm in the Meeting House.
If you would prefer to contribute to the review in writing (anonymously if necessary), you can write to Professor Westmarland at 32 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN or email nicole.westmarland@durham.ac.uk. Please ensure your contribution reaches her by Friday 7 October.
Professor Westmarland expects to be able to make her findings and recommendations public in early November.