Understanding Safeguarding, Risk and the University's Responsibilities
One of the questions people often ask when speaking to the University about a safeguarding, welfare or conduct concern is:
"Will anything happen if I don't want it to?"
In most situations, the University will seek to work with you, listen to your wishes and involve you in decisions about what happens next.
However, there are circumstances where the University may need to take action without your consent.
This can feel difficult or upsetting, particularly if you are worried about confidentiality, relationships or the consequences of reporting.
This guidance explains why this may happen and the principles that guide decision-making.
Our Starting Point: We Will Usually Work With You
The University's preferred approach is to:
✓ Listen to you.
✓ Understand your concerns.
✓ Consider your wishes and feelings.
✓ Explain available options.
✓ Support informed decision-making.
✓ Involve you in decisions wherever possible.
Most concerns raised through Report and Support do not result in action being taken without consultation.
Why Might The University Need To Act?
There are occasions where the University has wider responsibilities to:
- Protect individuals from harm.
- Safeguard children.
- Safeguard adults at risk.
- Protect other members of the community.
- Meet legal obligations.
- Manage serious risks.
In these situations, the University may need to consider action even if the person affected would prefer no further steps to be taken.
Serious Risk Of Harm
One of the most common reasons for acting without consent is where there is concern that someone may be at risk of serious harm.
Examples may include:
- Significant self-harm concerns.
- Suicide risk.
- Serious threats of violence.
- Serious abuse.
- Exploitation.
- Coercive control.
- Stalking.
- Ongoing safeguarding concerns.
Where the risk of harm is significant, the University may need to act to help keep people safe.
Protecting Other People
Sometimes a concern affects more than one individual.
For example:
- Multiple reports about the same behaviour.
- Concerns involving repeated misconduct.
- Risks to students, staff or visitors.
- Concerns affecting children or vulnerable adults.
In these situations, the University must consider not only the wishes of one person but the safety of the wider community.
Safeguarding Children
The University has safeguarding responsibilities towards children.
If information suggests that a child may be at risk of harm, the University may need to:
- Share information.
- Seek safeguarding advice.
- Contact statutory agencies.
This may happen regardless of whether the person reporting the concern wants this to occur.
The welfare of the child will always be a primary consideration.
Safeguarding Adults At Risk
The University may also need to act where there are concerns that an adult is:
- Experiencing abuse.
- Being exploited.
- Being subjected to coercion.
- Unable to protect themselves from harm.
In these circumstances, safeguarding responsibilities may require information sharing or external referrals.
Serious Criminal Allegations
Some concerns may involve allegations of serious criminal behaviour.
Examples may include:
- Serious violence.
- Sexual offences.
- Child abuse.
- Terrorism-related concerns.
- Serious exploitation.
The University may need to consider legal, safeguarding or public protection responsibilities alongside the wishes of those involved.
What About Confidentiality?
The University treats information sensitively and seeks to maintain confidentiality wherever possible.
However, confidentiality is not absolute.
There are circumstances where information may need to be shared to:
- Protect someone from harm.
- Assess risk.
- Meet legal obligations.
- Support safeguarding action.
- Protect others.
Where possible, we will explain:
- Why information needs to be shared.
- Who it may be shared with.
- What action is being considered.
Does This Mean I Lose Control?
No.
Even where the University needs to take action, we will seek to:
- Keep you informed where appropriate.
- Explain decisions.
- Consider your views.
- Minimise unnecessary information sharing.
- Support you throughout the process.
The fact that action may be required does not mean your voice is ignored.
Your wishes and feelings remain an important part of decision-making.
How Are These Decisions Made?
The University does not make these decisions lightly.
Where concerns arise, decisions are typically informed by:
- Risk assessments.
- Safeguarding principles.
- Legal responsibilities.
- Professional judgement.
- Multi-disciplinary discussion where appropriate.
In more complex cases, an Initial Review Meeting may be convened to ensure decisions are balanced, proportionate and evidence-informed.
Examples Of When We Might Need To Act
Example 1: Immediate Risk To Life
A student discloses an intention to seriously harm themselves but asks the University not to tell anyone.
The University may need to contact emergency services or other appropriate agencies to protect life.
Example 2: Child Safeguarding Concern
Information is received suggesting a child may be experiencing abuse.
The University may need to make a safeguarding referral regardless of whether consent is provided.
Example 3: Risk To Others
Several reports indicate that an individual may present a serious risk to members of the University community.
The University may need to assess and manage those risks, even where some individuals involved would prefer no action to be taken.
Why Does The University Take This Approach?
The University has a duty of care to:
- Individuals.
- Students.
- Staff.
- Children.
- Adults at risk.
- The wider University community.
Sometimes this means balancing:
- Individual wishes.
- Safety.
- Risk.
- Legal responsibilities.
- The rights of others.
These situations can be complex, but decisions are always made with careful consideration of the circumstances.
Key Message
In most circumstances, the University will seek to work with you, respect your wishes and involve you in decisions about what happens next.
However, there are occasions where serious safeguarding, welfare or public safety concerns mean the University may need to act without your consent.
Where this happens, our aim is always to act proportionately, explain our reasoning, minimise unnecessary information sharing and place safety and wellbeing at the centre of decision-making.
Your voice matters, and wherever possible, we will work alongside you throughout the process.