Royal Welsh College promise safe space 'every day' following landmark hearing

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Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama student rehearsals in March 2020. Photo: Simon Gough

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama has issued a 10-point summary outlining how it keeps its students safe after being sued for negligence by two former students.

The college apologised to the two students, and explained that it has now "transformed how we respond to sensitive disclosures, how we deal with complaints or concerns and how we support and safeguard our students".

It said this included a new confidential feedback system whereby students can report concerns, which can be anonymous.

The college also said it had shared "clear, simple guides on how to complain", which are "explained to students as an essential part of student induction".

In addition, it said that it "immediately" ensures the safety of anyone involved in a complaint or allegation once one has been received, and that it was enhancing its team of mentors and tutors in the Student Services team.

The college also highlighted how it has a "systematic approach to training in policy and procedures for all colleges across the college" and that it now trains staff in inclusive practice and intimacy work.

The 10-point summary

We’ve introduced a new confidential feedback system. It means that today, students and staff can report a concern at any time, and anonymously if they prefer. This also offers immediate support resources.
We share clear, simple guides on how to complain. These are explained to students as an essential part of student induction and promoted year-round. For students involved in a formal complaint, we then make sure they clearly understand their options at every stage.
As soon as we receive a complaint or allegation, we immediately make sure that anyone involved is safe and trained support is in place throughout the process. We always involve independent experts where appropriate.
We’re continually enhancing our professional Student Services team of mentors and tutors to ensure we offer a range of specialist skills. In 2020 we created a new role, Student Voice Officer, who advocates for students.
We’re ensuring that we have a systematic approach to training in policy and procedures for all colleagues across College.
As part of induction, we introduce students and staff to a core principle for us: respect. This is central to our community. Everyone is entitled to work in a safe space and we reinforce this every day. We also run a professionally delivered session for students on sexual consent and conduct, including boundaries and available support.
We’re developing specialist communications tools to support difficult day-to-day conversations, with almost 40 staff qualified in restorative practice.
Since 2020, we’ve introduced new clear Guidelines for Close Contact and Intimacy in teaching and production work, created with leading external experts.
We now train teaching staff in inclusive practice and intimacy work, to ensure the learning environment is safe.
We’ve launched a regular panel event, jointly with the Students’ Union, to encourage an open dialogue on difficult and sensitive subjects.