Reporting Information
ANONYMOUS REPORTING - WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
When you submit an anonymous report, we are unable to contact you to offer support or provide you with any updates in relation to your report.
Anonymous reporting is important to us, as it allow us to get an understanding of the prevalence of issues within our community. We use anonymous reports to identify broad trends or patterns of behaviour which can be addressed, for example, identifying training needs in a particular area.
There is also evidence to show that when anonymous reporting is offered as an option, people will then be more likely to come forward and submit a named report.
We appreciate that it can be difficult to understand how we might respond to an anonymous report, and this is always assessed on a case-by-case basis, dependent on the information available to us and guided by trauma-informed principles, confidentiality and our legal obligations. Here are some examples to give you an idea of what we can or cannot do depending on what you share with us.
- If we are provided with identifying details of a potential perpetrator, alongside supporting evidence of the allegation (e.g. screenshots, photos), we will assess what action we can take under the relevant procedure (for example, LINK OUT TO POLICIES). We would always need to balance this against the need to protect the anonymity of the reporter. In the majority of circumstances, we may be unable to commence a full investigation on the basis of an anonymous report.
- In reports where we receive very little information, for example, only a name or a brief outline of allegations, we take steps to information-gather to understand if there are any known issues in relation to the individual. If there are no further concerns on record, we would be unable to take any further action and would close the report with the outcome “for information”. This allows us to keep the information on our records, meaning that if we were to receive multiple reports about the same individual, we can review and tailor our approach depending on the circumstances.
- If we receive a report, which indicates a serious and significant safeguarding concern, for example, information that someone may come to serious harm, we will follow our Safeguarding Policy and if we have enough information to act, we may pass this information to relevant safeguarding agencies for example the police or social services.
FORMAL REPORTING - WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
How do I submit a formal report?
To formally report a member of the university community you will need to submit a statement (and any accompanying evidence) about what has happened on the reporting form.
What happens after I submit my report?
You will be invited to an initial meeting with a member of staff, who will explain the process and procedure in detail, gather further information to inform any precautionary measures that the University may need to take whilst the investigation is ongoing, and ensure you have access to all available support.
What are precautionary measures?
When a serious allegation is received, the University will conduct a risk assessment to consider any measures that can be implemented to ensure your safety and wellbeing whilst the investigation is going. For example, in sexual misconduct reports, as a minimum the University would implement a no-contact requirement on the responding party.
Who will investigate the case?
The University will appoint an investigator. This may be a member of university staff or an external investigator depending on the nature of the case. Once an investigator is appointed, they will contact you to introduce themselves and explain the next steps in their investigation.
What happens during an investigation?
The investigator is responsible for determining the key lines of enquiry dependent on the circumstances of the case. It is likely they will want to speak with you in detail about what has happened, and you will be invited to an interview. The investigator will identify any relevant lines of enquiry to explore with you, for example, potential witnesses or further evidence such as message screenshots or medical evidence. The investigator will also speak with the responding party and gather any relevant information and evidence from them.
What support is available throughout the investigation?
Students can access support from the Student Wellbeing Service.
What information does the responding party receive?
The Respondent will be provided with sufficient information in order that they can adequately respond to the allegation(s) being made during the investigation process. Should the case be referred to a disciplinary panel, at that point the Respondent will have access to all supporting documents including statements and evidence.
What does 'balance of probabilities' mean?
The University’s standard of proof is “on the balance of probabilities”. In practice, this means the investigator is looking to determine whether the evidence indicates that the misconduct is more likely to have occurred than not.
What happens at the end of an investigation?
The investigator will write report outlining their findings and making recommendations as to next steps. This may include the following;
- The investigator may recommend that the case is referred to a disciplinary panel for further consideration.
- The investigator may find that there is no case to answer.
- The investigator may recommend restorative actions or safeguarding measures
What happens if the case is closed?
This finding means that it has not been possible for the investigator to establish to the University’s evidence threshold (balance of probabilities) that the misconduct is more likely to have happened than not. When this happens, the University will ensure that you have continue to have support in place for as long as you need it. This may also include continuing recommendations around no-contact with the responding student for the duration of your studies.
What happens if the case is referred to a disciplinary panel?
A disciplinary panel will be arranged to consider the case further. You may also be invited to attend the panel as a witness. We will discuss this in detail with you.
What are the possible outcomes from a disciplinary panel?
The panel will decide whether or not the misconduct is proven on the balance of probabilities. If the panel are unable to find the misconduct proven on the basis of the available evidence, then the case will be closed. When this happens, the University will ensure that you have continue to have support in place for as long as you need it. This may also include continuing recommendations around no-contact with the responding student for the duration of your studies. If the panel make a finding of misconduct, they will impose a penalty on the responding student. Panels have a range of penalties available to them, but could include;
- A reprimand and warning about future behaviour.
- A requirement to undertake appropriate training related to the misconduct.
- Exclusion from the University for a set period (e.g., 12 months)
- Expulsion from the University