The University of Wolverhampton is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and professional environment where students and staff can learn, work and thrive.
Positive relationships are an important part of university life. Staff and students work closely together through teaching, supervision, support services, research, placements and extracurricular activities.
Whilst the University does not seek to interfere in the private lives of staff or students, there are circumstances where personal relationships can create actual or perceived conflicts of interest, safeguarding concerns or abuses of power.
This page explains why professional boundaries matter and where support is available.
Why Do Professional Boundaries Matter?
Professional boundaries help to:
- protect students and staff
- maintain trust and confidence
- ensure fairness and impartiality
- prevent conflicts of interest
- safeguard vulnerable individuals
- support academic integrity
- reduce the risk of actual or perceived favouritism
Boundaries are not barriers to positive relationships. They help ensure relationships remain safe, respectful and professional.
Understanding Power and Influence
Not all relationships exist on an equal footing.
Within universities, some individuals hold positions of trust, authority or influence over others.
Examples may include:
- teaching and assessment
- supervision
- placement oversight
- pastoral support
- line management
- recruitment and selection
- progression decisions
Where power imbalances exist, there is a greater risk that a relationship may influence, or be perceived to influence, professional judgement.
Staff and Student Relationships
The University recognises that there is an inherent power imbalance within the staff-student relationship.
For this reason, the University prohibits new intimate relationships between staff and students.
This reflects the fact that:
- students may feel unable to refuse advances
- consent may be influenced by a power imbalance
- academic decisions may be affected or perceived to be affected
- trust in University processes may be undermined
The policy exists to protect both students and staff.
Professional Boundaries in Practice
Healthy professional boundaries may include:
Appropriate Practice
- communicating through University systems
- meeting students in professional settings
- maintaining clear academic and professional roles
- referring students to specialist support services
- treating all students fairly and consistently
Situations Requiring Careful Consideration
- social media connections
- personal messaging
- sharing personal difficulties
- off-campus meetings
- gifts or favours
- relationships that extend beyond professional interactions
The University's Personal Relationships Policy provides further guidance in these areas.
What Is Grooming?
Grooming is a form of abuse of power.
It often begins with behaviours that appear friendly or supportive but are intended to create dependency, trust or emotional closeness for the purpose of exploitation.
Examples may include:
- giving excessive attention to one individual
- creating special relationships
- encouraging secrecy
- isolating someone from support
- gradually crossing professional boundaries
If something feels uncomfortable or inappropriate, it is important to seek advice.
What If I Am Unsure About a Boundary?
Many situations are not clear-cut.
You might find yourself asking:
- Is this appropriate?
- Would I be comfortable if others knew about this interaction?
- Could this be perceived as favouritism?
- Is there a power imbalance?
- Am I acting in a professional capacity?
If you are unsure, seek advice early.
Raising Concerns
You can raise concerns if you are worried about:
- inappropriate relationships
- professional boundary issues
- grooming
- abuse of power
- conflicts of interest
- coercive behaviour
- safeguarding concerns
Concerns can be raised through:
Report a Concern
For named reports and safeguarding support.
Anonymous Reporting
If you wish to share information anonymously.
Safeguarding
Where there are concerns about abuse, exploitation, coercion or risk of harm.
The University will take concerns seriously and respond sensitively.
Existing Relationships
The University recognises that some relationships may have existed before an individual became a student or member of staff.
The purpose of disclosure requirements is not to penalise people for those relationships.
Instead, disclosures enable the University to:
- Identify conflicts of interest
- put safeguards in place
- Protect all parties involved
- maintain fairness and transparency
Remember
Professional boundaries protect everyone.
They support trust, fairness, safeguarding and professional integrity.
If you are unsure whether a situation may give rise to a conflict of interest or boundary concern, seeking advice early is always preferable to managing concerns alone.