Creating Safer Colleges
A practical toolkit to strengthen college responses to gender-based violence (GBV) and harassment
College Development Network (CDN) & Colleges Scotland have recently launched a new toolkit to strengthen college responses to gender-based violence (GBV) and harassment.
The toolkit was developed in partnership with colleges, students’ associations, and specialist organisations with expertise in GBV prevention and support such as EmilyTest, Rape Crisis Scotland, White Ribbon Scotland, Amina – The Muslim Women’s Resource Centre, and others across the sector.
This resource builds on the findings of CDN and Colleges Scotland’s 2025 survey report, Colleges’ Approach to Tackling Gender-based Violence and Harassment, which highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges, including resource pressures and the need for consistent practice.
What is covered?
The toolkit provides:
- Practical guidance for staff at all levels, to support colleges in preventing and responding to GBV and harassment.
- Trauma-informed approaches to responding safely and appropriately
- Clear referral pathways
- Practical examples of good practice to support consistent and compassionate responses.
It is designed to support a whole institution approach, reinforcing the role of leadership, staff, and students in creating safe and respectful environments.
Several colleges and universities are already committed to GBV work as part of their Student Mental Health Agreement work, and it is hoped that this toolkit will further boost that activity.
Download link & further support
Download the toolkit: Creating Safer Colleges: A practical toolkit to strengthen college responses to gender-based violence (GBV) and harassment.
