The Royal College of Art has a duty of care to all its students and staff to support anyone who is accused of misconduct without prejudice. The RCA Student Misconduct and Disciplinary Policy states that All parties involved in cases of misconduct will be treated with dignity, respect and fairness and provided with appropriate support. Students about whom allegations have been made will be presumed to be innocent until proven to have committed a disciplinary offence on the balance of probabilities.

While the RCA has zero tolerance of inappropriate behaviour, support will still be offered to individuals who have been accused and who are formally investigated. 

Similarly, the college has zero-tolerance for vexatious allegations of misconduct and will continuously support those subjected to such complaints.

We fully appreciate that any allegations of inappropriate behaviour can have a distressing impact and whilst we have a duty to thoroughly investigate, we can assure you investigations are conducted sensitively and fairly to all parties.

Steps to take if you have been accused of misconduct

  • Firstly, remain calm. It is important to react appropriately regardless of the foundation of the allegation and let due process take its course. Please do not attempt to contact the complainant 
  • Secondly, share the circumstances with someone you trust. While this is never easy, it is important you do not try to deal with it by yourself and consider sharing with a friend, a family member, or a member of staff you trust within the College 
  • Seek advice through the Student Support Team or your HR representative, the first point of contact for areas relating to student and staff support and advice. They will be able to let you know what support is available, depending on your situation
  • If you need to speak to someone 
  • The Students Union Advice Officer may be able to support students in a misconduct process, depending on the situation
  • You may also wish to seek legal advice from an independent source if you have been contacted by the police. 

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