Understanding the Purpose of Trusted Contact Notifications
Trusted Contact notifications are not intended to replace professional support, safeguarding procedures or emergency services.
They are a safeguarding intervention that may strengthen a student's support network during periods of significant concern.
The Starting Point: Student-Centred Practice
Wherever possible:
- Speak with the student;
- Seek consent;
- Discuss options openly;
- Explore whether the student wishes their Trusted Contact to be involved.
The University starts from the position that students are adults with autonomy and agency.
When Might a Trusted Contact Be Helpful?
With the student's agreement, involving a Trusted Contact may help where:
- A student is experiencing significant mental health difficulties;
- A student is considering interruption of studies;
- A student is recovering from a crisis;
- A student requests support in communicating with someone close to them;
- Additional practical support may help improve engagement or wellbeing.
When Should I Make a Safeguarding Referral Instead?
This is one of the most important distinctions.
Staff should not independently decide to contact a Trusted Contact because they are worried about a student.
Where there are concerns involving:
- Suicide risk;
- Serious self-harm;
- Mental health crisis;
- Missing students;
- Hospitalisation;
- Significant safeguarding concerns;
- Serious risk of harm;
a safeguarding referral should be submitted immediately.
The Safeguarding Team will determine whether contacting a Trusted Contact is necessary, lawful and proportionate.
What Should I Record?
Where concerns arise, record:
- What has been observed;
- What the student has said;
- Any discussions regarding consent;
- Actions taken;
- Advice sought;
- Any safeguarding referral submitted.
Accurate records help ensure decisions are fair, lawful and informed.
Key Principle
If you are asking yourself:
"Should I contact this student's parent, partner or family member?"
you should usually pause and consider:
"Do I need to speak to the student first, or submit a safeguarding referral?"
In situations involving serious risk, safeguarding should lead the decision-making process