The IADT Consent Working Group oversees the implementation of the Framework for Consent in HEIs; Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions at IADT Dún Laoghaire.
Membership comprises of key stakeholders including academics, student support services, EDI, the Student’s Union, HR and external specialist agencies. The vision of the Framework is to ensure an institutional campus culture which is safe, respectful and supportive.
Institutions have a duty of care to their students and staff, and a responsibility to foster a campus culture that is clear in the condemnation of unwanted and unacceptable behaviours. The higher education student experience is not only concerned with the pursuit of academic excellence, but also to prepare students to engage with and make positive contributions to society. Creating a positive student experience empowers individuals to foster a culture of respect, dignity and integrity.
IADT has been involved in the development of the Framework for Consent at national level. The Registrar, Dr. Andrew Power, co-authored the Framework report under the direction of Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, former Minister of State for Higher Education. Claire McGing, IADT EDI Manager, and Denise McMorrow, IADT Student Experience Manager, represent the institute on the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) relating to ending sexual violence and harassment in third level education.
As part of IADT’s response to the Framework, online consent and bystander workshops are a requirement for all incoming undergraduate students through the First Year Matters (FYM) programme. The institute is also working to ensure that all students post first year have undertaken these workshops by the end of the academic year. Training on sexual assault disclosures, tailored for the third level sector, is being provided to key student-facing roles through the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. FYM leaders and other staff involved in first year induction are also being trained in the Active* Consent toolkit.
For further information about the Framework for Consent at IADT, please email Claire McGing, EDI Manager/Chair of the Consent Working Group, at claire.mcging@iadt.ie.