Learning Partner - Preventing Harmful Sexual Behaviour in Schools (Pilot)

Requirement:

The VRU is seeking a Learning Partner to support a pilot to prevent problematic sexual behaviour in schools, working with one Multi Academy Trust and 3–4 local authorities.

The Learning Partner will support the co-design phase by helping map services, understand need, and develop clear approaches (e.g. Theories of Change), using best practice for complex issues like harmful sexual behaviour.

They will then support shared learning across areas, build a community of practice, develop simple performance monitoring, and evaluate the pilot to inform future work.

Background:

Harmful sexual behaviour is common in schools and increasingly shaped by technology (e.g. social media, image sharing, AI content).

Many school staff lack confidence and training to address these issues effectively. Schools are responsible for responding to peer sexual abuse, often relying on staff judgement, making consistent guidance and support essential.

The delivery of the pilot itself will be procured separately at a later date.