Disciplinary Procedure

International Students House aims to achieve a respectful, tolerant, well-balanced and happy community. Part of this is establishing high standards of behaviour, along with penalties for those who disrespect residents, staff, neighbours or property. Examples of unacceptable behaviour include: 

• Smoking or vaping in your room or in other parts of ISH Buildings   
• Repeated disregard of Quiet Time rules 
• Intentional damage to ISH property 
• Tampering with fire equipment, detectors and alarms 
• Failure to evacuate or comply with staff instructions during a fire alarm 
• Abusive language or physical violence towards staff or residents 
• Posting abusive or defamatory comments on social media or websites 
• Bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct
• Theft from ISH or from others 
• Possession, use or supply of illegal drugs (including cannabis) 
• Excessive consumption of alcohol and anti-social behaviour 

(note that this list is not exhaustive) 

When is disciplinary action taken?

Disciplinary action will be taken against any resident who is in violation of ISH rules or whose conduct has a negative impact on the reputation of International Students House. The action taken will depend on the nature of the incident, but please note that ISH reserves the right to terminate tenancy should a resident persistently through anti-social behaviour, disruptiveness and infringement of House Rules, seek to discredit ISH. 

The disciplinary process would normally be instigated with a violation of House Rules being reported either to a Duty Manager or to the Dean of Student Life, followed by an investigation. A note of all breaches of House Rules will be kept on a resident’s record. 

What is disiciplinary action?

The type of disiciplinary action we take will depend on the nature of the incident in question. Multiple and more serious breaches will lead to heavier penalties and will be taken into consideration if you apply to remain at the accommodation for another year.

The conclusion to a disciliplinary investigation could be:

• an informal, verbal caution
• a formal, written warning
• or a final written warning

This could be accompanied by:

• a financial penalty (e.g. a £50 fine)
• community service
• or, in extreme or repeat cases, in termination of tenancy

Smoking offences

 In the case of smoking/vaping offences, where compelling evidence is present, a £50 fine will normally be imposed on the spot, without the need for any further investigation. In other cases, the accused student will be invited to a meeting with the Dean of Student Life, so that further investigation can be conducted.

Termination of tenancy

If a resident is persistently anti-social or disruptive, continues to break house rules or seeks to discredit the House, we may terminate tenancy. 

If a tenancy is terminated, we will specify a move-out date (usually one month after the decision is communicated in writing), as well as whether any pre-paid fees or deposits will be returned. 

Any further breaches of house rules during this time will result in the resident being given 48 hours to leave.

Right to appeal

All residents have the right to appeal against a decision to terminate their tenancy at ISH. This may be done by writing to the Chief Executive within 5 working days of the original decision. The Chief Executive may choose to call an Appeal Hearing, or may base their decision on the written evidence received. In all disciplinary matters, the Chief Executive’s decision is final and is not subject to any further appeals.  

Martin Chalker

Chief Executive

m.chalker@ish.org.uk