- Interim Vice-Chancellor signs pledge reaffirming the University’s position on use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
- Aston University does not use NDAs in cases of sexual misconduct, bullying, and other forms of harassment
- The #CantBuyMySilence pledge is backed by government, universities and campaigners
Aston University has joined a campaign to stop Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) being used to silence victims of sexual misconduct, bullying and other forms of harassment.
The Minister for Further and Higher Education in England has backed the campaign, led by the group #CantBuyMySilence, asking universities to sign up to the voluntary pledge.
Can’t Buy My Silence (CBMS) is an international campaign to end the misuse and abuse of NDAs. It is committed to building a coalition of organisations across the world advocating to end their use.
Saskia Loer Hansen, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Aston University, has signed the pledge which states that the University commits 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”.
She said: “I am pleased to back the #CantBuyMySilence campaign, and to pledge that Aston University will continue not to use Non-Disclosure Agreements in this way. Universities have a responsibility to their beneficiaries to act ethically and with integrity.
“Any student, member of staff or visitor who considers they are experiencing harassment, bullying or victimisation - or have done in the past - can seek help using the procedures set out in our prevention of bullying and harassment policy.
“Reports will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, and there are a number of routes available to receive support.”
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Saskia Hansen is the interim Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Rebecca Hume, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)7557 745416 or email: r.hume@aston.ac.uk
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