UEL signs up to gender-based violence charter

The University of East London has committed to working with gender-based violence (GBV) charity EmilyTest as it expands into England, bringing its vital work to five English universities. 

UEL and four other institutions - Anglia Ruskin University, Birmingham City University, the University of Manchester, and the University of Warwick - are engaging in a six-month pilot programme to adapt the EmilyTest GBV Charter framework to the English education system. The inaugural meeting of these universities and EmilyTest took place on Thursday 30 January 2025, hosted by the University of Warwick. 

Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills and Government spokesperson for Equalities, addressed university representatives at the meeting, emphasising the importance of this initiative: 

“As a government, we are fully committed to ensuring higher education is safe, accessible, and inclusive for every student. I want to personally thank the universities piloting the EmilyTest gender-based violence Charter in England for their leadership and dedication to tackling sexual violence. This proactive approach is an important step in creating safer campuses and giving students the support they need to thrive. The Emily Test offers an opportunity for real change, helping universities ensure higher education is a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued”. 

EmilyTest was founded by Fiona Drouet after the tragic loss of her 18-year-old daughter, Emily, a law student who died by suicide following physical and psychological abuse by a fellow student while living in halls of residence. Emily did reach out for help but, sadly, received a substandard response, with a devastating outcome.  

Determined to ensure no other victims/survivors are left unsupported and at risk, as Emily was, Fiona established the charity, which developed the GBV Charter for universities and colleges - the first of its kind. The Charter sets minimum standards in sexual and gender-based violence prevention, intervention, and support; it supports institutions in asking if their policies, practices and procedures would have saved Emily’s life: ‘Would they pass the Emily test?’

Based on five principles, the Charter has already proven successful in Scotland, with 13 institutions actively engaging and six now officially awarded. As already fed back by these participating institutions, the programme is playing a pivotal role in strengthening policies, procedures, and practices while encouraging collaboration and shared learning.  

The pilot programme in England aims to adapt this evidence-based framework to meet the unique needs of English institutions while aligning with the Office for Students’ Condition of Registration on harassment and sexual misconduct, which takes effect in August 2025. While the core principles of the Charter remain the same, the pilot will ensure its relevance to the English higher education context. 

Fiona Drouet, Founder and CEO of EmilyTest, said: 

We are delighted to expand this work into England, benefiting thousands of students and staff. By adapting our GBV Charter framework, we will ensure it effectively supports institutions in meeting the new OfS requirements. This work is critical, as sexual and gender-based violence is sadly all too prevalent in our society. Data from the Office for National Statistics highlights that students are the occupational group most at risk of sexual violence as well as perpetrating it, so we must all work together to create environments that are safe and responsible. Through collaboration, we can ensure that students and staff can live, work, and study free from the harms and threats of this insidious abuse.

Sophie Bowen, Chief Student Officer at UEL said: 

UEL is proud to take part in this vital initiative with EmilyTest. We aim to foster a positive working and learning environment which celebrates diversity, challenges inequality and is committed to nurturing an inclusive and diverse community that is open to all. We are committed to promoting a culture in which any incidents of sexual violence or sexual misconduct will not be tolerated and will be thoroughly addressed to ensure the preservation of a safe study and work environment. We look forward to working with EmilyTest to further strengthen our work and to ensure universities are safe, accessible, and inclusive for every student.

For more information about Emily’s story, the creation of the charity and the GBV Charter, visit www.emilytest.org