What is Report + Support?
Report + Support is the University of Wolverhampton's online reporting and support platform.
The system enables students, staff and learners to:
- Report a concern about themselves or someone else.
- Access support and safeguarding advice.
- Submit anonymous reports.
- Request support through the Support to Study pathway.
- Report concerns relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination, hate incidents, sexual misconduct, domestic abuse, safeguarding and wellbeing.
- Access information about University policies, procedures, rights, responsibilities and support services.
The system has been developed in partnership with Culture Shift and forms part of the University's commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive community.
Who Can Use Report + Support?
Report + Support can be used by:
- Students
- Apprentice learners
- Postgraduate researchers
- Members of staff
- Placement learners
- Visitors and members of the public
Members of the public may also choose to use the University's formal complaints procedures where appropriate.
What Reporting Options Are Available?
There are three main pathways within Report + Support:
Anonymous Reporting
Allows individuals to share concerns anonymously.
Reports may relate to:
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Discrimination
- Hate incidents
- Sexual misconduct
- Domestic abuse
- Safeguarding concerns
- Other inappropriate behaviours
Where enabled, anonymous two-way messaging allows the reporter and the University to communicate whilst maintaining anonymity.
Report a Concern
Allows an individual to provide their contact details and request support or intervention.
This pathway is used where:
- Someone wants advice or support.
- A concern is being raised about another person.
- Safeguarding intervention may be required.
- Follow-up contact is requested.
Support to Study
Allows staff to refer students who may require additional support to engage safely and effectively with their studies.
This pathway includes:
- Support to Study
- Cause for Concern
- Pregnant Student Support
- Fit to Train Concerns
- Trusted Person Notifications
- Freedom of Speech Concerns
What Happens When I Submit an Anonymous Report?
Anonymous reports are reviewed by trained safeguarding staff
The report will be assessed to identify:
- Immediate safeguarding concerns
- Risks of serious harm
- Emerging patterns or trends
- Areas requiring preventative action
Where anonymous two-way messaging has been selected, administrators may respond through the secure messaging function.
If no contact method is available, the information will be retained for monitoring, trend analysis and prevention activity.
Because reports are anonymous, the University may not be able to contact the individual directly or investigate specific incidents.
What Is the Difference Between Anonymous Reports and Reports with Contact Details?
Anonymous Report
- Your identity is not shared.
- You can provide information without identifying yourself.
- The University may be limited in what action it can take.
- Information may be used for trend analysis and prevention work.
- Anonymous two-way messaging may be available.
Report with Contact Details
- The University can contact you.
- Support and advice can be provided.
- Concerns can be explored in more detail.
- Appropriate interventions can be considered.
- Safeguarding support can be offered where required.
What Action Can the University Take Following an Anonymous Report?
Anonymous reports help the University to:
- Identify trends and emerging issues.
- Monitor locations, departments or themes of concern.
- Inform awareness campaigns and training.
- Review policies and procedures.
- Target preventative interventions.
- Inform safeguarding activity.
The action available may be limited where no identifiable information is provided.
How Are Malicious or Vexatious Reports Managed?
The University recognises that the vast majority of reports are made in good faith.
Where evidence suggests that a report has been made maliciously, dishonestly or with the intention of causing harm, the matter may be considered under relevant University procedures, including student disciplinary or staff conduct processes.
How Is My Information Used?
Information provided through Report + Support is used to:
- Assess risk and support needs.
- Respond to safeguarding concerns.
- Provide support and advice.
- Inform prevention and intervention activity.
- Produce anonymised management information and annual reports.
Personal information will only be shared where necessary, proportionate and lawful.
Further information can be found in the University's Privacy Notice.
How Secure Is My Information?
Report + Support is provided by Culture Shift and operates in accordance with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation.
The system has been subject to appropriate security and compliance checks.
Access is restricted to authorised University staff who require access as part of their role.
How Long Is Information Retained?
Information will be retained in accordance with:
- UK GDPR requirements
- The University's Records Retention Schedule
- Relevant safeguarding and case management requirements
Specific retention periods are outlined within the University's Privacy Notice.
Will Information Be Shared Without My Consent?
The University will normally seek to be transparent about how information is used.
However, information may be shared without consent where there are concerns relating to:
- Serious harm
- Safeguarding risks
- Criminal activity
- Risks to children or adults at risk
- Legal or regulatory obligations
Any information sharing will be undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation and University policies.
I Am Not Sure Which Reporting Route to Use
Don't worry.
Simply select the route that feels most appropriate.
If a report is submitted through the wrong pathway, the University will ensure it is redirected to the most appropriate team for review and support.