Reporting inappropriate behaviour

Anyone can report inappropriate behaviour or seek support, whether they have experienced it themselves, witnessed it, or are reporting on behalf of someone else.

Please note an amnesty clause is in place to encourage students to report incidents of misconduct against them. An amnesty clause allows reporting students to report serious misconduct (such as harassment or assault) without being investigated for breaches like using alcohol or drugs at time of the reported incident. This is to encourage reporting by removing fear of disciplinary consequences for drug and alcohol breaches. 

Reports can be made in the following ways: 

Report and Support

The Report and Support platform allows all students, staff, and visitors to our campus to report incidents, either anonymously or with contact details. If a report is made with contact details, the Welfare team will contact you to offer support. Reports can relate to an individual or a group of people. Reports are reviewed and assessed by the Wellbeing, Welfare and Casework teams during normal office hours to determine how your concern will be addressed and any provisional action the University may need to take to keep you safe.

Report and Support

Wellbeing and Welfare support

Our free Wellbeing and Welfare service can provide you with support for your mental health, wellbeing and issues that arise during your time at university. The Wellbeing team has mental health practitioners and counsellors to provide mental health and wellbeing support. In addition to Wellbeing support we also have Welfare Advisers who can provide support for a range of issues including assault, crime, pregnancy, domestic violence, and accommodation issues. Welfare Advisers can provide information, guidance, and signposting to relevant teams inside the university and also to external services.

Wellbeing and welfare support can be accessed through the Student Hub online portal.

Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs)

SVLOs provide support to students who have experienced sexual violence or misconduct. 

SVLO support can be accessed through the Student Hub online portal.

Students Union (SU)

SU staff, including the Presidents and Advice Service, can provide guidance on making a report and accessing support. They can be contacted via email (su.advice@yorksj.ac.uk) or found in the SU building on our York campus.

Campus Security team

The Security team can talk you through how to make a Report and what support is available.

Tutors, supervisors and University staff

Tutors, supervisors and university staff will be able to signpost to the reporting options and talk to you about what support is available.

Further reporting and disclosure obligations

• Reporting to the police: Guidance on police procedures, the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), evidence preservation, and anonymous reporting through Crimestoppers is available on the Report and Support website.
• Criminal convictions: Students must disclose new or pending convictions in line with the University's Admission of Students with Criminal Convictions Policy. Those on regulated courses (for example, Nursing, Healthcare) must report any criminal charges, even if unrelated to the University.
• Safeguarding responsibilities: If the responding party works or volunteers with children, the University may have a legal duty to inform the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

Each report of misconduct is handled on a case by case basis to ensure a fair and sensitive response.