Reforms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence

'We are committed to listening, learning, and working in partnership with students as we strengthen how we prevent and respond to gender-based violence. 

'I want to thank the many students who have contributed their time, perspectives and lived experiences to help us continually improve our policies and practice. This is important work and we have a responsibility to get it right,’ said Professor Readman.

UTS established the Safe and Respectful Communities (SARC) team to lead this work, bringing together prevention, response and support to deliver a coordinated, whole-of-university approach.

The reforms reflect a broader shift across the higher education sector towards stronger accountability, clearer processes and a more trauma-informed response to GBV, guided by the National Code.

Building better policy together

In March 2026, the NSO released two reports containing recommendations relevant to UTS.

UTS has acted on and completed all recommendations of the report into use of confidentiality clauses, reviewing our approach to applying these clauses during GBV and complaints processes, with all changes shaped by the Safe and Respectful Communities Student Consultation Group, and the UTS Students’ Association (UTSSA).

Student feedback highlighted concerns that mandatory confidentiality requirements could discourage reporting, isolate students from support networks, and create confusion.

Students also called for greater transparency, clearer communication of processes, and better access to formal and informal support for all students involved in the complaints. At the same time, they emphasised the importance of procedural fairness and protections for all parties from victimisation, harassment or interference.

In response, UTS has made significant updates to its GBV Policy and procedures, including:

• removing mandatory confidentiality requirements
• limiting confidentiality arrangements to circumstances requested by a complainant, with safeguards to ensure they are time-limited, reviewable and aligned with national requirements
• making it clear that students can speak about their experiences and seek support at any stage of the process – including from health professionals, legal representatives, police, or trusted personal networks
• introducing clearer behavioural expectations during investigations, including explicit prohibitions on victimisation, harassment and interference.

UTS has also progressed the majority of actions arising from the Ombudsman’s Walk the talk report. Remaining work – including updates to student rules, academic misconduct processes and supporting systems – is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

Coordinating a whole-of-university approach

Alongside these reforms, UTS is implementing broader changes to improve safety and respect in our community.

Key initiatives introduced during 2026 include:

• establishing the Safe and Respectful Communities (SARC) team to lead an integrated, university-wide approach
• launching a new GBV reporting portal to make it easier for students and staff to raise concerns
• introducing a staff declaration and risk assessment process for prospective employees regarding prior GBV investigations
• adopting a commitment to response timelines aligned with national requirements
• ongoing evaluation of support services, with early feedback showing progress towards more trauma-informed practice

Student consultation has also informed improvements to student-facing materials, including a focus on plain language, clearer explanations of investigation processes and timelines, and better visibility of available support services.

Delivering long-term change

UTS is now developing a new multi-year GBV Action Plan and Outcomes Framework, to be submitted to the national regulator later this year.

The plan will set out the university’s strategy through to 2029, outlining prevention and response measures, identifying key risks and gaps, and ensuring support is tailored to the diverse needs of the UTS community, including priority cohorts. It also reflects UTS's commitment to addressing gender-based violence wherever it occurs, including beyond the university environment.

Priorities for the remainder of 2026 include expanding the Safe and Respectful Communities team, rolling out mandatory Respect Matters training for all staff and students, developing additional in-person training, and implementing a new case management system to support reporting and investigations.

By embedding student perspectives into policy and practice, strengthening support systems and transparency, UTS seeks to build an environment where people feel supported to seek help and confident that concerns will be taken seriously.