It Has Happened to Someone I Know
If you are worried that someone is experiencing bullying, harassment, discrimination or other unwanted behaviour, there are a number of ways you can help.
You may be concerned about a friend, fellow student, colleague, learner, placement student or another member of the University community.
People experiencing bullying or harassment do not always feel able to seek support themselves. By listening, offering support and helping someone access advice, you may play an important role in helping them stay safe and access the support they need.
Understanding Bullying and Harassment
Bullying
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving a misuse of power that can make a person feel:
- vulnerable
- upset
- humiliated
- undermined
- threatened
Harassment
Harassment is unwanted behaviour that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Harassment may be related to a protected characteristic such as:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- pregnancy or maternity
- race or ethnicity
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
Some forms of harassment may also constitute a hate incident or hate crime.
You do not need to determine whether behaviour meets a legal definition before seeking advice or raising a concern.
Are They Safe?
Is the person in immediate danger?
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, has been seriously injured, or a crime is in progress:
Call 999
Do not wait for a report to be reviewed.
If appropriate, help the individual move to a place where they feel safe and supported.
How Can I Help?
Listen
Allowing someone to talk about what has happened can make a significant difference.
Allow them to speak at their own pace and try not to interrupt, judge or make assumptions.
Take Them Seriously
Bullying and harassment can have a significant impact on a person's wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging.
A supportive response can help somebody feel heard and understood.
Avoid Investigating
You do not need to establish exactly what happened or determine whether University policies have been breached.
Your role is to support the individual, not investigate the concern.
Discuss Options
When the person is ready, you may wish to help them consider the support and reporting options available.
Reporting a Concern
If you are worried about somebody, you can use the University's Report + Support system.
You can:
Submit a Report a Concern
This allows the University to review the concern and consider whether support or intervention may be required.
Submit an Anonymous Report
Anonymous reports help the University identify patterns, themes and areas where intervention may be required.
Where available, anonymous two-way messaging can also allow individuals to receive advice and guidance whilst remaining anonymous.
What Happens Next?
Reports are reviewed by appropriately trained staff who will consider:
- the nature of the concern
- any risks identified
- support needs
- appropriate next steps
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- safeguarding support
- welfare support
- advice and guidance
- signposting to specialist services
- consideration of informal resolution options
- consideration of formal procedures where appropriate
Support Available
Students
Students may be able to access support through:
- Student Life
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
- Student Success Coaches
- Safeguarding Services
Staff
Staff may be able to access support through:
- Line Managers
- Human Resources
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Occupational Health Services
- Trade Union Representatives
- Safeguarding Services
Looking After Yourself
Supporting somebody who has experienced bullying or harassment can sometimes be emotionally challenging.
You may find yourself feeling:
- worried
- upset
- frustrated
- angry
- uncertain about what to do
It is important to look after your own well-being and seek support if needed.
Students and staff can access University support services if they have been affected by something they have witnessed or been told about.
Remember
If you are worried about someone, it is usually better to seek advice or raise a concern than to do nothing.
You do not need to have all the answers before asking for help.
The University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where concerns are taken seriously, and support is available to all members of our community.