University does not use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for complaints about sexual harassment, bullying and other forms of misconduct.
Date: 08 March 2022
London Metropolitan University has joined a growing number of universities to have signed the Can’t Buy My Silence pledge which calls on organisations to stop using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for complaints about sexual harassment, bullying and other forms of misconduct.
The pledge, backed by MPs and campaign groups, commits universities to not use legally-binding NDAs against students and staff who come forward to report abuse, amidst fears victims are being pressured into signing agreements which stop them from speaking out and protect the reputations of perpetrators.
Commenting on the decision, London Met’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lynn Dobbs, said: “It takes incredible courage to report sexual violence, bullying or harassment. Any policies or practices that prevent a victim feeling supported to speak up, such as the use of NDAs, should not be tolerated.
“It has been London Met’s policy not to ask students to signs NDAs. Signing this pledge makes that commitment public and is inline with our vision of creating a progressive values-based University that creates a safe and supportive environment for our students, staff, and the wider community.”
The University’s full pledge reads:
Backed by Minister for Higher and Further Education Michelle Donelan, former Equalities Select Committee Chair Maria Miller MP and campaign group #CantBuyMySilence, we, London Metropolitan University, commit to not using Non-Disclosure Agreements to silence people who come forward to raise complaints of sexual harassment, abuse or misconduct, or other forms of harassment and bullying.
Read the full announcement is on the Department for Education’s website
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