If you have experienced any form of gender based or sexual
The University takes all reports of student and staff misconduct seriously. Details of the University’s disciplinary proceedings for students and staff respectively are set out in the Code of Student Discipline and the Staff Disciplinary Procedure (Ordinance 68, Part 2, Schedule 2). These exist as a framework through which appropriate action can be taken in response.
If you want to report an incident of gender based or sexual violence to the University you
It is entirely your choice if you wish to name the perpetrator. If you choose to do so, you can share this information directly with the Academic Registrar or Director of Human Resources and Organisation Development. You can disclose this to a SMVLO if you prefer. However, it's important to be aware what action the University will take if you name a perpetrator to any member of University staff.
You are under no obligation to name the perpetrator(s) and will be able to receive guidance on all of your options as well as access to all University and external support if you choose not to. However, if you do choose to name the perpetrator and they are either a University student or staff member, the University will be obliged to take appropriate action to safeguard you and/or members of our community. This is likely to involve speaking to the alleged perpetrator and it may involve disciplinary action being taken.
The same will apply if you name someone who is not a student or member of staff but the information you disclose indicates that you or someone else is at risk of harm. It is rare that the University would inform the Police without your explicit consent, but if the level of risk to you or others is sufficiently high, this course of action might be necessary.
If you wish to name a perpetrator but do not want the University to take action you may prefer to engage with an external support agency such as Rape Crisis Scotland or Women’s Aid. The SVMLO will be able to help with this and refer you to other agencies that can help.
Anonymous reports help us to better understand the broader picture around Gender Based Violence
You can submit an anonymous report via our secure
If you choose to submit an anonymous report please be aware that no action can be taken, nor advice
When the University receives a report of sexual violence or misconduct about one of its students, this will be investigated in line with the Code of Student Discipline. This sets out the detailed procedure that will be followed by the member of staff carrying out the investigation (the investigative officer).
The first step in an investigation is for a meeting to take place with the person who has made the report. This is to provide an opportunity for discussion to ensure that the investigative officer has as much detail as possible on what has happened and how the person making the report has been affected.
A meeting would then take place with the person against whom the report has been made to advise them of the report and to provide them with an opportunity to respond. An investigation may also include meetings with other individuals who witnessed what happened or who otherwise can contribute information to inform the investigation. Students are always entitled to bring someone with them for support when they attend a meeting that is part of a disciplinary process. You can see a list of who this can and can’t be in the Code of Student Discipline.
Once an investigation is concluded, the member of staff responsible for making a decision on the matter will consider the investigation report and decide if any further action is required, and on any penalty to be applied.
When the University receives a report of sexual violence or misconduct about one of its staff, this will be investigated in line with the Disciplinary Procedure (Ordinance 68, Part 2, Schedule 2) which sets out the investigatory procedure that will be followed by the two members of staff carrying out the investigation (the investigating officers).
The first step in an investigation is normally for a meeting to take place with the person who has made the report. This is to provide an opportunity for discussion to ensure that the investigating officers have as much detail as possible on what has happened and how the person making the report has been affected.
The member of staff against whom the report has been made would be advised that a report has been made and invited to a formal investigatory meeting. An investigatory meeting would then take place with the member of staff to provide them with an opportunity to respond. An investigation may also include meetings with other individuals who witnessed what happened or who otherwise can contribute information to inform the investigation. Staff are always entitled to bring a colleague or trade union representative with them for support when they attend a meeting that is part of a disciplinary process. Students attending meetings are also always entitled to bring someone with them.
Once an investigation is concluded, the manager responsible for making a decision on the matter will consider the investigation report and decide if any further action is required. This may include progressing the matter to a disciplinary hearing to consider the matter, which may result in formal disciplinary action being taken.
Where a matter reported for action under the Disciplinary Procedure (Ordinance 68, Part 2, Schedule 2) or the Code of Student Discipline is the subject of police investigation or a pending legal case, the University (normally through the Deputy Principal) will consider the most appropriate course of action in the circumstances.
Criminal investigations into disclosures of sexual violence can take a long time, sometimes spanning months or years, which means that the University may be required to pause its internal investigation for a period of time.
To enable the University to fulfil its duty of care, our internal risk assessment will be reviewed at regular intervals whilst any criminal investigation and/or trial is proceeding, to ensure the safety and protection of all parties. The University will also continue to provide support and guidance to those affected by the incident during the time when the disciplinary process has been paused.
At the conclusion of the external judicial process, the Code of Student Discipline or Disciplinary Procedure (Ordinance 68, Part 2, Schedule 2) sets out how the University will proceed.
However, the University may proceed with a disciplinary investigation and subsequent outcome, in advance of and regardless of the outcome of the criminal investigation process.
Where an investigation takes place this will be completed as quickly as possible, however this will
If you're off campus, call 999 to reach any of the emergency services.
If you're on campus, call the Security Team any time, 24/7 on extension 7999 (on an internal phone) or 01786 467999 to request the Police.
If you need an ambulance, dial 999 directly to speak to a call handler. Then call the Security Team on extension 7999 or 01786 467999 to let them know that an ambulance will be arriving.