One of the questions we are most frequently asked is:
"If I submit a report through Report and Support, will it automatically become a formal investigation?"
The answer is no.
In most cases, submitting a report through Report and Support does not automatically begin a disciplinary, conduct or formal investigation. Report and Support is primarily a route for raising concerns, accessing support and allowing the University to assess any risks and consider appropriate next steps.
Every report is carefully reviewed by the University's Safeguarding Team and considered on its own individual circumstances.
If you report with your contact details
If you choose to report with your contact details, a member of the Safeguarding Team will normally contact you to discuss:
- The concerns you have raised.
- Any immediate safety or wellbeing needs.
- The support available to you.
- The options available moving forward.
- Whether you would like the University to consider any further action.
Where possible, we will discuss your wishes and preferences before any formal process is considered.
Do I have to make a formal complaint?
No.
Making a report through Report and Support does not automatically make your report a formal complaint.
Many people use Report and Support simply to:
- Access advice.
- Seek support.
- Record concerns.
- Discuss their options.
- Help the University understand emerging issues.
If you decide you would like the University to formally investigate your concerns, you will normally be asked to provide a more detailed written statement to support that process.
When might the University investigate?
Where appropriate and proportionate, the University may investigate concerns through one of its established procedures.
Depending on the nature of the concern, this may include:
- Student Conduct procedures.
- Staff disciplinary procedures.
- Fitness to Study processes.
- Fitness to Train processes.
- Fitness to Practise processes.
- Safeguarding procedures.
- Professional suitability procedures.
- Other University policies or procedures.
The appropriate process will depend on the circumstances of the case.
Will my original Report and Support report be used?
Not usually.
If a formal investigation is commenced, you will normally be asked to provide a more detailed written account of your concerns.
This detailed statement will usually form the basis of any investigation rather than your original Report and Support submission.
Your original report is primarily used to:
- Record your initial concerns.
- Enable safeguarding assessment.
- Inform risk assessment.
- Help identify appropriate support.
- Assist the University in determining the most appropriate next steps.
Could my original report ever be disclosed?
In some circumstances, yes.
Although the University does not routinely rely on the original Report and Support submission during formal proceedings, there may be occasions where all or part of the original report needs to be considered.
Examples may include:
- Clarifying information provided during an investigation.
- Resolving inconsistencies between accounts.
- Meeting legal or procedural requirements.
- Complying with a lawful request for disclosure.
Any disclosure will be carefully considered and will only take place where it is lawful, necessary and proportionate.
What if legal proceedings are started?
The University aims to resolve concerns through its own internal procedures wherever possible.
Occasionally, matters may become subject to external legal proceedings.
Where this happens, the University may have legal obligations to disclose relevant documents as part of court or tribunal proceedings.
This process is known as disclosure.
If disclosure is required by law, relevant records, including information provided through Report and Support, may need to be disclosed to the parties involved in the proceedings.
Wherever possible, the University will seek to protect confidentiality and will only disclose information that is legally required.
Will the University protect my confidentiality?
Yes.
The University recognises that many reports involve highly sensitive personal information.
We are committed to protecting confidentiality wherever possible and information will only be shared:
- To safeguard individuals.
- Where required by law.
- Where necessary to investigate serious concerns.
- To comply with legal or regulatory obligations.
- To protect the rights, safety or wellbeing of others.
Where information is shared, we will always seek to ensure this is lawful, necessary and proportionate.
What if I don't want an investigation?
In many cases, your wishes and preferences will be central to our decision-making.
However, there are occasions where the University may need to take action without your agreement.
This may happen where there are concerns about:
- Immediate safety.
- Serious safeguarding risks.
- Risk to children or adults at risk.
- Significant criminal behaviour.
- Serious misconduct.
- Ongoing risk to other students, staff or visitors.
- Legal or regulatory obligations placed upon the University.
If this happens, we will explain, wherever possible, why action is necessary and keep you informed throughout the process.
Our Commitment
We understand that deciding whether to report a concern can be difficult.
Our priority is always to:
- Listen without judgement.
- Support those affected.
- Respect your wishes wherever possible.
- Be transparent about the options available.
- Act fairly and proportionately.
- Protect the safety and wellbeing of our University community.
Making a report through Report and Support gives you the opportunity to explore your options before deciding whether any formal action is appropriate. Our role is to support you in making informed decisions while ensuring the University meets its safeguarding and legal responsibilities.