Operational Guidance
Stage 1 – Initial Concern
A concern may arise from:
- academic non-attendance;
- student accommodation reports;
- peers;
- family members;
- placement providers;
- support services;
- safeguarding concerns.
The concern should be logged and assessed.
Stage 2 – Initial Enquiries
Reasonable attempts should be made to contact the student.
Examples include:
- university email;
- telephone;
- text message;
- Teams or equivalent platforms.
Staff should record:
- dates;
- times;
- methods used;
- outcomes.
Stage 3 – Risk Assessment
The following factors should be considered:
Known Risk Factors
- previous suicide concerns;
- self-harm history;
- significant mental health concerns;
- safeguarding history;
- domestic abuse concerns;
- exploitation concerns;
- substance misuse;
- recent crisis events.
Vulnerability Factors
- care experience;
- estrangement;
- disability;
- international student status;
- recent bereavement;
- social isolation.
Contextual Information
- recent disclosures;
- concerning communications;
- welfare concerns raised by others;
- accommodation concerns.
Stage 4 – Escalation to Safeguarding
Safeguarding should be informed where:
- significant risk is identified;
- the student's welfare cannot be established;
- risk indicators are present;
- concerns extend beyond academic engagement.
The Safeguarding Team should coordinate further decision-making.
Stage 5 – Welfare Checks
Where appropriate, consideration may be given to:
- residence welfare checks;
- contact with trusted contacts;
- liaison with emergency contacts;
- liaison with accommodation providers;
- police welfare checks.
Decisions should be:
- necessary;
- proportionate;
- recorded.
Stage 6 – Trusted Contact Consideration
Trusted Contact notifications should only be considered:
- where risk justifies disclosure;
- following safeguarding review;
- in accordance with the Trusted Contact & Emergency Information Sharing Policy.
Staff should not independently contact family members because a student has failed to attend classes.
Stage 7 – Emergency Services
Police involvement may be appropriate where:
- serious and immediate risk is identified;
- welfare cannot be established;
- there are credible concerns regarding life or safety.
The University should maintain records of:
- information shared;
- rationale;
- decision makers;
- actions taken.