If you’ve ever scrolled through a university’s website and noticed badges like Athena SWAN or the Race Equality Charter, you’ve seen charter marks in action. These aren’t just decorative logos—they’re powerful symbols of a university’s commitment to values like equality, sustainability, and student wellbeing. 

Charter marks are formal recognitions awarded to institutions that meet high standards in specific areas. For universities, they’re a way to show they’re serious about creating inclusive, safe, and forward-thinking environments. But they’re also more than that. The process of applying for a charter mark forces institutions to reflect, gather data, and make real, measurable changes. It’s about walking the talk. 

One of the most impactful charter marks emerging in the UK right now is the EmilyTest Gender-Based Violence Charter—and The University of Manchester is proudly at the forefront.

EmilyTest: A Charter Born from Tragedy, Driving Change 

In April 2025, The University of Manchester joined the pilot of the EmilyTest Charter, becoming one of the first English universities to do so. The Charter was created in memory of Emily Drouet, a student who died by suicide after experiencing abuse at university. Her mother, Fiona Drouet, founded EmilyTest to ensure no other student would be failed in the same way. 

The Charter challenges institutions to ask a hard but necessary question: Would our policies have saved Emily’s life? It’s built on five core principles—from being “educated and empowered” to ensuring campuses are “safe and effective.” 

By joining the pilot, Manchester is helping adapt the Charter for the English higher education system, aligning it with new regulations from the Office for Students on harassment and sexual misconduct. But this isn’t just about compliance—it’s about culture. 

Manchester’s Commitment to Student Safety 

The University of Manchester’s involvement in the EmilyTest pilot reflects a deep, ongoing commitment to creating a safer, more supportive environment for all students. This isn’t a new concern for the university—it has already established a strong foundation through initiatives like its Advice and Response team, which provides trauma-informed support; the Report + Support platform, designed for reporting  incidents of harassment; and the SafeZone app, which enhances personal safety on campus.

By engaging with the EmilyTest Charter, the university is taking its efforts a step further. It’s not just about responding to incidents—it’s about prevention, education, and building a culture where gender-based violence is actively challenged. The pilot offers a chance to evaluate existing practices, identify gaps, and implement meaningful, lasting improvements. This proactive approach signals that student wellbeing is not just a priority—it’s a responsibility. And Manchester is stepping up to lead by example. 

This year, EmilyTest will be delivering some free training for staff members on responding to disclosures so if anyone is interested, please email adviceandresponse@manchester.ac.uk to register your interest- spaces are limited! 

Ameera Jamil 
Advice & Response Caseworker (Safeguarding, GBV & Hate)

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