Prevention and redress, the main axes of the UB’s updated protocol against gender violence and LGTBIQ+ phobia

This is an ambitious update to the protocol currently in force, which includes new features to ensure comprehensive redress for victims and improve structural prevention. In this regard, the document incorporates the concept of due diligence, a principle that obliges the University to prevent, detect and intervene effectively in any situation of this type. This also involves constant evaluation to determine whether the appropriate action has been taken and to address any shortcomings, with the aim of preventing possible cases of institutional violence, which is when the institution fails to protect individuals. 

Another aspect reinforced by the Protocol is the confidentiality of victims, in order to enhance protection, build trust in the institution and prevent revictimization. Among the specific guarantees offered by the UB are the management of information with strict internal protocols, access to information restricted to authorized people and the option for victims to decide which channels are activated and which are not. 

Comprehensive redress is another concept included in the Protocol. Among the actions envisaged are personalized support for the victim, corrective actions (such as changes in timetables, space or tutoring, or sanctions against the offender) and measures to acknowledge the harm caused and help restore the rights that have been violated. 

The update to the Protocol also considers the concept of intersectionality, which involves recognizing that cases of gender-based and LGTBIQ+-phobic violence can be exacerbated by other forms of discrimination, such as racism, disability, age, socio-economic background or religion. 

The document also includes the creation of an Advisory Council, made up of individuals from outside the UB, to evaluate and guarantee the quality of the Protocol. The Vice-Rector for Equality, Inclusion and Gender, Montserrat Puig, confirmed during the Governing Council meeting that a report on the cases handled will be published annually on the UB Transparency Portal. 

The UB Equality Unit has also made a guide for the university community to explain clearly and comprehensively how the Protocol works and summarize the support, prevention and redress mechanisms in the event of a complaint. 

New PDA and travel regulations 

The Governing Council also gave the green light, with 25 votes in favour, 8 against and 6 abstentions, to the new Regulations for the academic dedication plan for the teaching staff of the University of Barcelona, with the commitment of the governing team to monitor and evaluate the document at the end of the academic year 2026-2027. 

The Academic Dedication Plan (PDA) has a dual function: on the one hand, it provides information on the structure of the academic activity of the teaching staff at an individual level and, on the other, it is a tool for rationalizing and planning the complex tasks of the teaching staff (teaching, research and transfer, management, etc.). The new PDA model aims, among other things, to identify, recognize and reward the dedication of teaching staff and allow them to better design their professional careers. 

The Governing Council also approved the UB’s long-awaited new Travel Regulations, which will come into force on January 1, 2026 and which establish new criteria and procedures to promote the sustainability of travel, reduce administrative procedures and update the amount of allowances. In fact, the per diems for accommodation and meals are significantly increased (an overnight stay in Madrid, for example, can reach 160 euros), and the person responsible for budget appropriations may authorize an increase in accommodation expenses of up to a maximum of double the amount provided for, in certain specific cases. In addition, the document includes a commitment to climate neutrality and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, giving priority to rail travel and limiting air travel to journeys of more than six hours or 800 km. It should be added that the UB manages an average monthly travel budget of 500,000 euros.