From 1 August 2025, the Office for Students’ Condition E6 requires all providers registered with the OfS in England to take robust action to prevent, respond to and support students in cases of harassment and sexual misconduct. It also introduces a Single Comprehensive Source of Information (SCSI) with prominence principles (easy to find, public, up-to-date) and expects training for students to be mandatory at induction.
How SSA supports your E6 duties (fast, free)
Prominent information & signposting (E6.2 + ‘prominence principles’)
We co-create a university-branded hub inside SSA linking directly to your SCSI / Report & Support, helplines and local services, so required information is mobile-first and easy to find.
Induction & mandatory training support
We provide plug-in induction wording and slide text that explains what SSA is, how to download it, and how it complements your reporting and safeguarding routes, so you can embed SSA into student (and staff) induction immediately.
Reporting clarity (not a replacement)
SSA signposts students to your official reporting routes and specialist support; it does not replace your procedures, aligning with E6’s need for clear, credible mechanisms.
Insight to inform action
Where helpful, we can provide anonymised trends (e.g., time/place patterns seen in student safety alerts) to inform outreach and evaluate steps, mirroring OfS advice to collect, monitor and publish data where it improves effectiveness.
FAQ: Condition E6
What is OfS Condition E6?
A binding condition of registration requiring OfS-registered providers in England to prevent and address harassment and sexual misconduct via clear policies, training, support, and fair processes. It took full effect on 1 August 2025.
Who must comply? Does this include FE colleges delivering HE?
All providers registered with the OfS, including universities and colleges delivering higher education, must comply.
What is the “Single Comprehensive Source of Information (SCSI)”?
It’s the single, authoritative page/document that sets out your policies, procedures, reporting routes, support, and related rules (e.g., staff-student relationships). It must meet minimum content and prominence requirements and be kept current with historic versions accessible.
Is student training actually mandatory?
The OfS expects training to be mandatory for students (providers can use judgement for reasonable exemptions). Providers should actively support participation.
Do we have to ban NDAs?
Yes. From 1 September 2024, providers cannot use NDAs related to harassment or sexual misconduct.
What counts as “effective / significant and credible steps”?
The OfS gives examples: design and evaluate actions based on your data and student needs; monitor prevalence and reporting; and evidence impact
How does E6 relate to freedom of speech?
OfS guidance includes a dedicated section, providers must address harassment/sexual misconduct while upholding lawful freedom of speech.
Do we need specialist staff training?
Yes—staff who receive reports, investigate or decide cases must be appropriately trained, and your processes must be credible and fair (natural justice).