Following NUS' Active Political training course last week, I have received a number of communications relating to allegations both about the behaviour of delegates on the programme, and the actions of senior members of the NEC in handling problems both at that event and at two other events inside the summer training programme.

It goes without saying that NUS takes the issues of equal opportunities and safe space very seriously and I am thus determined that the allegations are handled properly.

A process has been underway since last week to fully investigate formal complaints received that follows our established procedures and for obvious reasons I am unwilling to make a comment about the specifics of the complaints whilst that process properly completes. Any speculation or surrounding commentary at this time is, I believe, inappropriate and counter-productive.

On the latter issues which relate to the way in which these and other incidents have been handled by the senior officers designated to each event, I have asked the staff Director with responsibility for events to look into each incident referred to in turn and to report on them directly to the National Executive Committee with, if appropriate, recommendations.

It is important in both instances that we do not tolerate racism or a failure to deal with it; it is however also important that we do not pre-judge the outcome of any investigation.

When these processes are complete I fully intend that the NEC be given an opportunity to discuss our processes and safeguards in relation to these issues in full.

Wes Streeting

National President

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