Consent Training 2023
The Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service will launch a new programme of consent workshops in Michaelmas term 2023. The workshops will be implemented across a small number of colleges and led by fully trained student facilitators. With a focus on healthy relationships and consent in sexual relationships, facilitators will work closely with college staff to help manage the programme.
As this is a new programme for the 2023-24 academic year, the Support Service will regularly review the training and workshops, welcoming honest feedback from participating colleges, facilitators and student attendees.
The role
Facilitators should expect to deliver at least two workshops, with a co-facilitator. You will work alongside a key contact in your college to arrange the workshops, communicate any concerns or issues, and collect feedback from other students who attend.
As a facilitator, you will receive a full day of training from the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service, all materials and ongoing supervision to equip you with the knowledge and skills to deliver the workshops. Your experience gained will enhance your skill development and make a great addition to your CV. This is a voluntary role.
Workshops will be around 60 minutes in duration, with a short amount of preparation and pack up time. They may be delivered throughout the year, as well as in Freshers’ Week.
Experience
Applicants should have the skills and confidence to deliver workshops or training to a group of peers. Previous training experience is desirable, but not required. You should feel comfortable in managing challenging scenarios which may arise during workshops, though training will be provided on this and you will be supported.
You should have an understanding of sexual harassment, sexual violence and relationship abuse, and an interest in educating others. It is also important to demonstrate your commitment to reducing and preventing, where possible, sexual harassment and violence, and abuse in relationships. Those with personal experience of sexual violence are welcome to apply, however, we encourage people to be mindful that it may be challenging to discuss these topics in front of a group, and personal disclosures in the workshops are not appropriate.
Support for you
Facilitators will receive supervision from staff in the Support Service, to discuss how workshops are going, raise concerns or issues, and reflect on areas for improvement. Outside of these sessions, any concerns can be shared immediately and directly with the Support Service or your college welfare contact.
Application
Prospective facilitators are required to complete a short application form. Applicant names will be shared with your college so they can assess your suitability and capacity to commit to the project alongside your studies. If the college does not support your application, no details of this will be provided to the Support Service.
Successful applicants, having been approved by your college and the Support Service, will be invited to join training which will be delivered in person in Oxford on Thursday 28 or Friday 29 September.
If you have any questions, please contact supportservice@admin.ox.ac.uk.
The applicant form is available to complete via this Microsoft Form and closes on Monday 5 June at 9am.
Participating Colleges
As this is the launch of a new programme following a successful pilot in Michaelmas 2022, there is a limit on the number of colleges who can participate in the 2023/24 academic year. Colleges taking part in the programme in Michaelmas 2023 are:
- Christ Church College
- Exeter College
- Green Templeton College
- Lincoln College
- New College
- Pembroke College
- Reuben College
- Somerville College
- St Hugh's College
- St Peter's College
We are only able to take applications from students in these colleges. If you are a student and your college is not listed, you can get in touch with your college welfare team to find out what your college is running and if you can get involved.
Online Training
All students at Oxford are encouraged to complete the online training Consent Matters. This training is designed to complement in-person training or workshops, and covers consent, communication, relationships, respect, boundaries and positive intervention.
Find out more and complete the training on the Consent Matters webpage.