Staff–Student Relationships

Introduction

Staff have more power than students. They mark your work, write your references and make decisions that can affect your future. Because of this power gap, the University does not allow relevant staff to have an intimate personal relationship with a student.

The Short Version

The University of Derby bans intimate personal relationships between students and “relevant staff members”. These are staff who directly teach, supervise or support you, or have other direct professional responsibility for you.
The ban comes from Condition E6, a rule from the Office for Students (OfS), the regulator for universities in England. It applies from 1 August 2025.
The ban is on staff. It is their responsibility to follow it and to declare any existing or developing relationship with a student.
If something does not feel right, you can speak up. Telling the University is not the same as making a formal complaint.

What the rule says

The University’s position, in three parts

A ban: Staff may not start an intimate personal relationship with a student they directly teach, supervise or support, or have professional responsibilities for.
Declaring: Staff must tell the University about any existing or developing relationship with a student, whatever their role. They do this with a declaration form.
Action: The University can remove a staff member from responsibilities that cause a conflict of interest, or change your lecturer or supervisor. Breaking the rules can lead to disciplinary action and, in serious cases, dismissal.

Students under 18

Any sexual relationship between a member of staff and a student under 18 is treated as gross misconduct. It may also be a criminal offence.

Key Words Explained

Word or phrase	What it means
Condition E6	A rule from the Office for Students. It requires universities to protect students from harassment and sexual misconduct, including a ban on intimate relationships between students and relevant staff, and to keep one “single comprehensive source” of information. Derby’s is on its website (see page 4).
Relevant staff member	A member of staff with direct academic responsibilities, or other direct professional responsibilities, for you. For example, someone who teaches, supervises or supports you.
Intimate personal relationship	Any relationship involving physical intimacy (including one-off or repeated sexual activity) and/or romantic or emotional intimacy.
Abuse of power	When a relevant staff member uses their position to pressure a student, for example by unfairly influencing grades or opportunities, or pushing them into something they are uncomfortable with.
Disclosure	Telling the University about something that has happened. You do not have to take any further action, and you can do it anonymously.

FAQs

Does the ban mean staff and students cannot be friendly?

No. Good relationships with teachers and support staff are a normal and positive part of university life. The ban is about intimate relationships. Staff are expected to keep professional boundaries, including online, and to declare any close personal relationship with a student.

I am over 18 and happy with the relationship. Does the ban still apply?

Yes. The University says staff should not start a relationship of this kind with a student, whatever the student’s age. The rule exists because of the power gap, so it applies even when both people are adults.

What if we were together before the rule, or before they became my lecturer?

The ban does not cover these “excluded relationships”. That means a relationship that was already ongoing when Condition E6 began (1 August 2025), or one that began before the staff member became relevant staff for you. The University says it treats these sympathetically.

They still must be declared. The University can then remove the staff member from responsibilities for you, or move you to a different lecturer or supervisor. With the staff member’s consent, you will be told what is changing and why.

A staff member is pressuring me or making me uncomfortable. What can I do?

This could be harassment or an abuse of power, and it is not your fault. You can tell the University without making a formal report, and an SVLO can explain your options with you.

What is the difference between telling the University and making a formal report?

Telling the University (a disclosure) means sharing what happened. You do not have to do anything more, and you can do it anonymously. If you share your contact details, Student Services will get in touch to offer support and talk through your options. A formal report is the first step in a process that could lead to action by the University.

What happens if a staff member breaks the rule?

Formal reports about staff are looked into under the staff Disciplinary or Grievance Procedure. This includes reports made by students. Not following the rules, or not declaring a relationship, can lead to disciplinary action and, in serious cases, dismissal. The University has also pledged not to use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for complaints of sexual harassment or misconduct.

I know about a relationship that has not been declared. Should I say something?

You can. The University encourages students to speak up about harassment or sexual misconduct they have experienced or seen. You can use its online form to report a concern about a staff member, or talk to an SVLO first.

Will my information stay private?

The University says it will protect the privacy and personal data of everyone involved in a disclosure, report or complaint as far as is reasonably practicable. Ask an SVLO how your information would be used before you decide what to share.