New E6 Regulations: A Step Towards Safer Higher Education

E6 regulations require institutions to protect students from harassment and sexual misconduct.

Safeline welcomes the introduction of Condition E6, a new regulation from the Office for Students (OfS) designed to strengthen protections against harassment and sexual misconduct across higher education institutions in England.

Effective from 1 August 2025, Condition E6 sets out clear expectations for universities and colleges to create safer, more supportive environments for students. The regulation applies to over 400 registered providers and marks a significant shift in how institutions must respond to incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct.

Key Measures Under Condition E6

Transparent Policies

Institutions must publish a single, accessible source detailing their policies and procedures, including definitions, reporting mechanisms, and support services.

Staff-Student Relationships

Providers are required to take steps to prevent conflicts of interest or abuse of power. A ban on intimate relationships between staff and students is encouraged as a protective measure.

Training and Support

Mandatory training for staff and students will help raise awareness and improve responses to incidents. Institutions must also offer appropriate support services.

Freedom of Speech

All measures must align with the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech Act 2023), ensuring academic freedom is preserved.

No NDAs

The use of non-disclosure agreements to silence victims is explicitly prohibited

A Step Forward for Student Safety.

At Safeline, we believe these changes are a vital step toward ensuring that students feel safe, heard, and supported. As part of our ongoing commitment to tackling sexual harassment, we offer tailored training programmes to help institutions meet and exceed the requirements of Condition E6.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

Safeline delivered training to our staff team on protecting people from sexual harassment in the workforce. This training was informative and engaging, demonstrating how we can take a trauma informed, victim focused approach to dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, university and society at large

CEO, Nottingham Trent Students' Union

Safeline Sexual Harassment Training

I work in two places, so have previously done similar things online. It is SO much better in person, easier to pace and make sure things are appropriately discussed. The people delivering the workshop were great. They were very confident and knowledgeable and encouraged questions.