#NEVEROK February Update

As part of our #NEVEROK campaign we’ve been working on creating a safe environment for students and staff, on and off campus. We have a zero tolerance to violent behaviour, harassment and abuse of others.

Alex Chalk MP

Since meeting with the local stakeholders in January, Asha met with Alex Chalk to lobby student feedback on drink spiking, and whether Alex could explore the toxicology reports with the Police and Crime Commissioner to explore the high reports of spiking vs the low positive confirmed cases in Gloucestershire. Asha also raised concerns with the limited lighting around Cheltenham, particulary around Montpellier garden, roads near Pittville Student Village and some places in the town centre. I will follow up with Alex to see what progress has been made in a few weeks. 

Nightline

The SU has been keeping in touch with the Nightline to see if any common themes are being raised in the calls, as well as taking away any feedback from the volunteers on what actions could be taken to make the Nighttime Economy feel safer. 

Policy Work

Asha and the Student Voice team have been meeting with the university on its Sexual Harassment Policy and the concerns it raises being in the same category as Bullying and Discrimination. Conversations have been happening to discuss whether this policy can be separated. Asha collated some feedback from students, and has been taking it to these meetings so that the current policy can be improved as it is. 

SU Focus Group

We had our #NeverOk Focus Group and this looked at exploring Bystander Intervention Training and how the GlosNightin group and the Womens+ Network Lead can do a takeover event for students to engage with.