The decision to formally report misconduct may be a very difficult decision to make – there is no right or wrong. You should be guided by what feels best for you, and seek any support/advice that you need throughout the process.   

Whilst we encourage and welcome reporting, we also respect the wishes of survivors. We also know there may be various barriers and concerns about reporting, which we address further in this section.  

Is there evidence?

You can report whether or not you have evidence. It’s also worth checking with the Student Disciplinary Team what would constitute evidence, as sometimes people do have evidence (e.g. photographs, videos, screenshots, voice notes, witnesses), without realising it.  

Timescales

You can report something that didn’t happen recently, as long as the person being reported for misconduct is still a current BSU student or staff member. Not having reported immediately/sooner won’t count against you – we understand that reporting is a difficult decision and can take time to make.  
 
The maximum timescale for the reporting process, from start to finish, is 60 working days. It’s useful to bear this in mind, particularly to consider when the Responding Party may be due to graduate, if they are a student. 

Will I and/or the person I report be identified? 

A Report cannot normally be investigated without both you and the reported person being identified.

 
We realise this can be off-putting and worrying for people considering reporting. For more information on precautionary measures taken towards ensuring your protection and safety in this respect, please visit this section.

 
We recommend discussing any concerns with the Student Disciplinary Team by contacting complaintsofficer@bathspa.ac.uk. 

We can also talk to you about safety planning and additional support that may help manage the anxiety provoked by reporting. 
 
Support will be available to you regardless of your circumstances and decisions about reporting. 

We know that understanding what happens with the information you share and the limits on confidentiality may form an important part of your decision-making.  

Reports are treated confidentially, except where there are concerns about risk of harm to self or others which requires the University to take action to mitigate risk, for example in instances where there are Safeguarding concerns relating to risk of harm to under 18s or adults at risk. 
In such instances, the University may consider reporting to the police and/or social services, as appropriate.  

Where BSU staff receive disclosures relating to sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, they are obliged to share these with a colleague in the Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse (SVDA) Caseworker team. This won't oblige you to receive their support if you prefer not to. The information is shared so that the SVDA Caseworker can check if any risk concerns need addressing, and/or to ensure that important information about specialist support is shared with you, if appropriate.