A message from the Master

Professor Sir Mark Welland, Master of St Catharine’s College, commented on the disappearance and death of Sarah Everard:

"Like many, I have been appalled by the disappearance and death of Sarah Everard. Incidents such as this shine a spotlight on the threat of harassment and violence that many among us continue to face.

St Catharine’s is committed to providing a space where everyone in our community can thrive. It is important that you know that harassment of any kind has no place here: our existing support systems and policies* mean that any issues raised will be handled with the utmost care and sensitivity. I am proud of how we have challenged ourselves in recent days to do more to ensure students, staff and Fellows can continue to live, work and move between our properties without fear or concern.

On behalf of the College, I can announce today a commitment from the Master’s Fund to offer personal alarms to anyone who would feel safer and more confident with an alarm. We will provide these alarms free-of-charge from Easter Term onwards, and share accompanying advice on sexual assault, harassment and personal safety on the College’s welfare hub for students and for staff and Fellows.

Recognising that it is everyone’s responsibility to build a safe environment, the College is also committed to engaging all parts of our community on how to bolster training and learning opportunities planned for the months ahead so that we all feel informed and confident dealing with issues related to sexual assault, harassment and personal safety.

Thank you to the students, staff and Fellows who have engaged in frank and searching conversations in the last few days."

* St Catharine's has policies on bullying and harassment for students and for staff.