Common questions about reporting incidents

Making a report

What happens when a report is made

Whenever an incident is reported we will take it seriously, deal with it promptly and ensure that no-one is subjected to victimisation as a result of reporting. Perpetrators will be held accountable through due process and we will utilise our existing University disciplinary procedures if appropriate. 

If a report is received where the University believes there is an ongoing situation where there may be danger to either you or someone else we are obliged to pass that report on externally, for example to the Police, and/or internally within the University. 

Otherwise, reports received will be kept within a very small support team and will only be shared further when necessary and after discussion with yourself.

Making a report without naming the perpetrator

You do not need to name the perpetrator to receive help from the University. We are here to help you regardless of whether you name the perpetrator. You will still be offered a First Responder, and we can still assist you in contacting external services such as Rape Crisis, SARCS, or Victim Support.

Speak to someone without making a report

Our Student Support Services are here to support all our students. Find out more and make an appointment

You can also use the 24/7 Student Support Service which has a dedicated Student Support Line and App through the Spectrum.Life platform.

If you are a member of staff, you can contact the Staff Lifeworks Employee Assistance Programme. The EAP service offers confidential independent help, information, and guidance to University staff. It is accessed by telephone or web portal and is confidential. The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to employees. It also allows for up to six face-to-face counselling sessions, offered near the caller’s home or place of work.

Will anyone find out I’ve made a report?

If you are a member of staff: As a rule, what you have reported will be kept confidential within a very small support team and will only be shared further when necessary and after discussion with you.

If you are a student: No. As a rule, what you have reported will be kept confidential within a very small support team and will only be shared further when necessary and after discussion with you. Any contact with the service will not be on your academic record.

I’m worried about something that happened to my friend. Can I still make a report?

Yes, reports can be made either by the person who experienced the incident or on their behalf. If you are submitting a report on behalf of someone else, please include information on whether they know you are doing so. Unless you have submitted anonymously, the University will likely contact you for more information before reaching out to the person you have reported on behalf of.

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