Helping students to succeed safely, engage effectively and access the right support
This pathway enables University staff to raise concerns where a student may require additional support, intervention, risk assessment or formal review in order to continue their studies, training or professional programme safely and successfully.
Many students experience challenges during their time at university. Identifying concerns early can help ensure that appropriate support is offered before difficulties escalate and enable the University to work collaboratively with students to remove barriers to success.
This pathway should be used where there are concerns relating to a student's wellbeing, engagement, behaviour, professional suitability, safety, welfare or ability to participate effectively in their studies, training or placement.
This pathway can be used for:
Support to Study / Cause for Concern
Where there are concerns about a student's wellbeing, engagement, behaviour, welfare, academic participation or ability to continue studying safely without additional support.
Examples may include significant disengagement from study, concerning changes in behaviour or presentation, deterioration in wellbeing, repeated concerns raised by staff or services, concerns about a student's safety or welfare, or circumstances where a coordinated support plan may be beneficial.
Pregnant Student Support
Where a student has disclosed a pregnancy and additional support, planning or risk assessment may be required to enable them to continue their studies safely.This may include placement considerations, practical support needs, health and safety considerations or adjustments to learning activities.
Fit to Train Concerns
For students undertaking programmes involving professional training or placement where there are concerns about their current health, wellbeing, conduct, engagement, safety or readiness to participate safely and effectively in training or placement.
Fit to Train is primarily a supportive and risk-management process. Where concerns indicate that a student's professional suitability may need formal consideration, the matter may instead, or additionally, be considered through
Fitness to Practise.Fitness to Practise
For students on programmes leading to a professionally regulated or registered occupation where concerns may raise questions about their professional conduct, behaviour, suitability or ability to meet the standards expected of their profession.Concerns may arise through professional or academic activity, placement, a self-declaration, relevant safeguarding information, DBS information or other circumstances that may legitimately require consideration under the University's Fitness to Practise procedures.A Fitness to Practise referral does not itself determine that a student is unfit to practise. It enables the concern to be appropriately triaged and considered through the relevant University process.
Trusted Person Notifications
Where there are significant concerns regarding a student's welfare and consideration may need to be given to contacting a nominated trusted person in accordance with University policy and procedures.
Freedom of Speech Concerns
Where concerns are raised regarding potential restrictions on lawful freedom of expression or academic freedom.
Before submitting a referral
Where appropriate, staff should seek to have a supportive conversation with the student and explore available support options before making a referral.
However, this should not delay a referral where there are safeguarding concerns, a risk of harm, urgent intervention may be required, or circumstances indicate that early support is necessary.
Important
This pathway is intended for identifiable referrals and support requests.
You do not need to be certain which process applies before raising a concern. Submit the referral that best reflects the circumstances, and the appropriate team will review it and ensure it reaches the right pathway.
If someone may be at immediate risk of harm, submit the appropriate safeguarding referral immediately and follow relevant emergency procedures.
