The University of Warwick has become one of only two universities in England to be awarded the EmilyTest Gender‑Based Violence Charter, marking recognition of its independently assessed approach to preventing and responding to gender‑based violence.
The award follows Warwick's participation in a pilot programme with the charity EmilyTest, which is expanding its world‑first Gender-Based Violence Charter into English institutions. Those that achieve Charter status must demonstrate that their policies, practices, and procedures meet standards designed to prevent harm, improve responses to disclosures, and ensure effective support for students and staff.
Warwick was formally presented with the Charter by EmilyTest Founder and CEO, Fiona Drouet MBE on Thursday 7th May 2026.
Receiving the award on behalf of the University, Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Warwick, said: "Achieving EmilyTest Charter status acknowledges our dedicated staff and students' efforts to date and our ongoing commitment as a community to the highest standards of safety and support.
"Warwick is continually looking to strengthen the support we offer, so that we can tackle gender-based violence effectively. We will continue to partner with students, the Students' Union, staff, and EmilyTest to build confidence, trust, and a safer campus."
EmilyTest was founded by Fiona Drouet MBE in memory of Emily Drouet, her 18-year-old daughter and Scottish university student who was subjected to a sustained campaign of gender-based violence from a fellow student and later took her own life.
Commenting on Warwick's Charter status Fiona Drouet MBE, EmilyTest Founder and CEO, said: "I am delighted that the University of Warwick has been awarded the EmilyTest GBV Charter. This is no small feat, and Warwick has worked incredibly hard throughout the process, showing a genuine and unwavering commitment to addressing gender-based violence.
"From the outset, the University fully embraced the importance of robust external quality assurance, engaging openly and constructively at every stage. Their long-standing commitment to this work, which pre-dates the Charter, has provided a strong foundation to build on.
"We are also very grateful to Warwick for their role in the pilot, helping to shape and strengthen our framework for English universities. This reflects not only their dedication to their own students, but their willingness to contribute to progress across the wider sector.
"Strong leadership is an essential part of achieving the Charter and Warwick stands as a good example of this. They show what is possible when universities go beyond compliance and place student safety at the heart of everything they do, and we feel privileged to work beside them."
To achieve Charter status, Warwick evidenced alignment with the Charter's five core principles: being open and learning; educated and empowered; comprehensive and connected; equal and inclusive; and safe and effective. These principles were co‑created with students, education staff, and gender‑based violence specialists.
Reflecting on the partnership with EmilyTest, Helen Knee, Director of Conduct and Resolution, University of Warwick, said: "The Charter by its very design requires a joined-up approach across a university to tackling gender-based violence. Partnership with EmilyTest has meant that we have an external assessment of how we are continuing to support our students and staff, that goes beyond regulatory requirements.
"I hope our students and staff see this as a recognition of all their hard work, and our commitment to continue this crucial work."
As a Charter institution, Warwick will continue to work with EmilyTest through ongoing learning, scrutiny, and sector collaboration. This will strengthen the University's to support people affected by gender‑based violence, increase Warwick's ability to identify risk, and respond appropriately to disclosures.
