Understanding the Report and Support Process
Every report submitted through Report and Support is reviewed by the University's Safeguarding Team. The process below explains how reports are assessed and managed.
STEP 1: REPORT RECEIVED
Report Submitted
A report is received through Report and Support.
Reports may be submitted:
- With contact details.
- Anonymously.
- By the person affected.
- By someone concerned about another person.
Every report is reviewed by the Safeguarding Team.
STEP 2: TRIAGE
Initial Review
The Safeguarding Team conducts an initial review to understand:
- What has been reported.
- Whether there are immediate concerns.
- Whether urgent action is required.
- Which areas of the University may need to be involved.
At this stage, reports are prioritised according to risk and urgency.
STEP 3: RISK ASSESSMENT
Assessment of Risk
A safeguarding risk assessment is completed.
This may consider:
- Risk of harm.
- Welfare concerns.
- Safeguarding concerns.
- Vulnerability.
- Ongoing behaviours.
- Potential impact on others.
- Immediate safety requirements.
The University's first priority is always the safety and wellbeing of those involved.
STEP 4: SAFEGUARDING REVIEW
Safeguarding Oversight
The Safeguarding Team considers:
- Support needs.
- Protective measures.
- Information already known to the University.
- Previous concerns or reports.
- Any safeguarding, legal or regulatory considerations.
At this stage, advice may also be sought from specialist services where appropriate.
STEP 5: INITIAL REVIEW MEETING (IF REQUIRED)
Multi-Disciplinary Review
For more complex, high-risk or serious concerns, an Initial Review Meeting may be convened.
Relevant colleagues may include:
- Student Services.
- Academic Schools.
- Human Resources.
- Campus Security.
- Accommodation Services.
- Legal Services.
- Other specialist teams.
The purpose is to:
✓ Consolidate information.
✓ Assess risk.
✓ Consider safeguarding concerns.
✓ Review available support.
✓ Agree proportionate next steps.
Where possible, the wishes and feelings of the reporting person or person affected will be considered.
STEP 6: SUPPORT PLANNING
Support and Safety Planning
Support options are considered and coordinated.
This may include:
- Welfare support.
- Mental health support.
- Academic support.
- Occupational support.
- Accommodation support.
- Safeguarding interventions.
- External specialist services.
Support can be offered whether or not a formal process is pursued.
POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
Following assessment, one or more of the following actions may occur:
Informal Resolution
Where appropriate, concerns may be addressed through:
- Advice and guidance.
- Supportive interventions.
- Informal conversations.
- Mediation or facilitated resolution.
- Management action.
Formal Process
Where concerns indicate a potential breach of University regulations, policies or procedures, a formal process may be considered.
This may include:
- Student conduct procedures.
- Student complaints procedures.
- Human Resources procedures.
- Formal investigations.
Submitting a report does not automatically initiate a formal process.
External Referral
Where safeguarding, legal or public protection concerns exist, referrals may be made to external agencies.
Examples may include:
- Police.
- Adult Social Care.
- Children's Social Care.
- Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
- NHS services.
- Other statutory agencies.
Where possible, individuals will be involved in these discussions unless there is a legal or safeguarding reason preventing this.
Case Closure
A case may be closed when:
- Risks have been addressed.
- Appropriate support has been provided.
- No further action is required.
- A formal process has concluded.
- An external agency has assumed lead responsibility.
Cases can be reviewed and reopened if new information emerges.
Our Approach
At every stage, the University aims to:
- Protect people from harm.
- Provide appropriate support.
- Act fairly and proportionately.
- Consider wishes and feelings wherever possible.
- Meet safeguarding, legal and regulatory responsibilities.
Every report is assessed on its own merits and managed according to the specific circumstances of the concern.