Glasgow Clyde achieves the EmilyTest GBV Charter

Glasgow Clyde College's (GCC) work to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and create a safe and supportive environment for all our students has seen the college achieving the EmilyTest GBV Charter. 

EmilyTest is a Scottish charity set up in memory of Emily Drouet, an undergraduate law student at Aberdeen University, who was subjected to a campaign of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by a fellow student. 

As part of its mission to ensure no other student ends up in Emily's shoes, the charity created the world’s first Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Charter for colleges and universities. 

The Charter is an award that allows educational institutions to take the ‘Emily Test’, which involves meeting minimum standards where Emily’s life could have been saved.  

GCC achieving the charter means that we meet standards to effectively prevent, intervene and respond to GBV.    

The college began working in partnership with the charity in 2021 when it was selected as one of only four pilot institutions involved in this critical initiative.  

Over the past four years, we've developed and implemented robust policies and practices aimed at tackling GBV head-on. 

These steps include establishing a cross-college GBV working group to oversee and coordinate its efforts, as well as conducting annual training sessions for staff, students and student association officers to raise awareness and equip them with the skills to respond to GBV. 

The college has also specially trained two staff members as trainers for the EmilyTest L.I.S.T.E.N training, an evidence-based risk assessment tool for GBV. This training will be rolled out from May 2025 to staff, student officers and class reps. 

As part of regular GCC events, GBV organisations are included in Freshers' events and throughout the year, hosting activities and events to promote awareness and support. 

Glasgow Clyde College Principal, Jon Vincent said: “At Glasgow Clyde College, we believe that every member of our community has the right to study and work in a safe and supportive environment, free from any form of violence, abuse, or harassment.  

“Our work with EmilyTest has allowed us to candidly evaluate and examine how we make change through collaboration with internal support services and external partners to provide the best appropriate support to victims/survivors of GBV. 

“We are honoured to receive this award, but our work doesn’t stop here. We remain fully committed to continuously enhancing our practices to strengthen GBV prevention and support for our community." 

GCC Equality & Diversity Lead, Caroline Hutchison said: “Equality and Diversity are at the heart of our college's mission, and receiving the Charter award from EmilyTest is a truly tremendous achivement.” 

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and effort we have put into keeping our Glasgow Clyde College community safe, encouraging a sense of belonging for everyone. 

“This recognition underscores our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every individual can thrive." 

Fiona Drouet MBE, CEO of EmilyTest: “We are delighted that Glasgow Clyde College has achieved the EmilyTest GBV Charter Award, a well-deserved recognition of their strong commitment to addressing Gender Based Violence.   

“The college's efforts give students the best chance to live, work, and study free from the harms and threats of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), sending a strong message of support to students and staff while serving as a powerful example for other colleges and universities to follow. 

“The EmilyTest GBV Charter is proving to be a critical tool for progress in GBV prevention, intervention and support, and GCC’s success highlights what is possible with strong leadership, unwavering commitment and focus.” 

Find out more about our initiatives and support available on our GBV web page and the EmilyTest website.