Harassment and Sexual Misconduct

At Le Cordon Bleu, we are committed to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our community. In line with Condition E6 of the Office for Students Regulatory Framework, we take incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct seriously.

What is Harassment and Sexual Misconduct?

Harassment is any unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated, degraded, humiliated, or offended. When this behaviour is of a sexual nature, it constitutes sexual harassment. Sexual misconduct refers to a range of inappropriate or criminal behaviours, including:

• Unwelcome sexual advances or physical contact
• Inappropriate or sexually explicit comments or messages
• Sexual assault and any non-consensual sexual activity
• Coercion, manipulation, or exploitation in a sexual context

Such actions are unacceptable and violate both our institutional values and legal standards.

Staff-Student Relationships

At Le Cordon Bleu, staff are not permitted to enter into romantic or sexual relationships with students because of the risk of unfair influence, conflict of interest, and power imbalance.

If a student is in a pre-existing relationship with a member of staff, it must be formally declared so that appropriate safeguards can be put in place, such as removing the staff member from any teaching or assessment role.

If you feel uncomfortable about a staff member’s behaviour or believe a boundary has been crossed (even if the relationship was pre-existing and has been declared), you can speak in confidence to the Academic Team or request a confidential meeting with a senior member of staff via Customer Services.

The Importance of Consent

Consent is a clear, enthusiastic, and mutual agreement to participate in any activity. Key principles include:

• Freely Given: Consent must be offered voluntarily, without pressure or coercion.
• Reversible: Anyone can change their mind at any time.
• Informed: All parties must be fully aware of what they are agreeing to.
• Enthusiastic:  It’s about wanting to do something — not feeling like you have to.
• Specific: Agreeing to one activity does not imply consent to others.

Silence or lack of resistance does not mean consent. It must be actively and continuously communicated.

What to Do as a Bystander or Witness: The Four D's

If you witness harassment or sexual misconduct, you can make a difference using the "Four D's" approach:

• Direct: Safely intervene by addressing the behaviour directly (e.g., "That’s not okay—please stop").
• Distract: Interrupt the situation in a non-confrontational way (e.g., ask a random question or change the subject).
• Delegate: Get help from someone in authority, such as a teacher or other staff member.
• Delay: If you can’t act in the moment, check in with the person affected afterwards and offer your support.

Everyone has a role to play in creating a safe community.

How to Report an Incident

There are several ways for students and staff to report harassment and sexual misconduct:

1. Use the Online Reporting Form.
2. Speak to the Academic Team: Your mentor or course leader can help guide you to appropriate support. Or you can email london-academic@cordonbleu.edu.
3. Request a Confidential Meeting: Contact Customer Services to arrange a confidential conversation with a trained staff member.
   
   

Support Resources

• The Police: If you are concerned for your immediate safety, call 999 (or 101 if it is not an emergency).
• Rape and sexual assault referral centre (NHS): The Havens - Whitechapel Site:  020 3299 6900 - 24 Hours
• The 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247
• The rape and sexual abuse support line run by Rape Crisis England and Wales – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222
• The Samaritans: Free confidential support 116 123. Walk-In Centre at 13 Salisbury Place, London W1H 1FJ 

Our Commitment

Le Cordon Bleu upholds the principles of dignity, respect, and accountability. We are here to listen, take action, and ensure that all students feel secure and supported in our learning environment.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact london-academic@cordonbleu.edu for more information.