Support a colleague who has been bullied or harassed

Listen and be supportive 

Listen with empathy and compassion. Reassure your colleague that there is support available and that you can help them access it. 

Line managers

You have a responsibility to escalate any report of assault, harassment, violence or discrimination which involves another colleague and/or student, as part of the University’s duty of care to employees. This should be discussed with your local People team for further advice. 

Peers/colleagues

You should refer the reporting party to their local People team for further support and guidance. 

Complete the University reporting form 

Advise your colleague that you will use the University reporting form to record their report.  

Advice for completing the form

If the staff member has given permission for their name to be shared, enter their details on the reporting form.  Proactive contact will then be made by a member of staff from Safeguarding to ensure that the colleague receives appropriate support and understands their reporting options.  

Make it clear on the form that you are a member of staff, have met with the reporting person and have heard their initial report. 

Ensure you note only what the reporting person tells you.  Do not change or edit their words. 

Submissions made using the reporting tool are treated confidentially and will not be shared without consent, unless the University has a duty to act.  

Anonymous submissions

If your colleague does not give permission for their name to be shared, the form must still be submitted, and the report anonymised.  

Inform the reporting party that no action can be taken by Safeguarding when an anonymous report is submitted.  

However, it is important that incidents are recorded to gain an accurate picture around the numbers of incidents and to inform ongoing work.  

Provide details of available support 

The student can still access internal and external support services independently. Learn more about support for staff.

Further information about reporting

For staff, internal complaints are investigated through the grievance procedure.  

Useful contacts

• Campus Security
• Safeguarding