As members of our student community, we all have a responsibility to consider the impact of our behaviour on others, and not to cause unreasonable offence, distress or harm. Anyone who feels offended, upset or harmed by another person’s behaviour (even if it was unintentional) has the right to ask for that behaviour to stop and to be addressed. Sometimes, the level of seriousness of behaviour or conduct may mean that the University needs to carry out an investigtaion and / or that the Police become involved.
Raising a concern about someone’s behaviour or conduct can be difficult and stressful for both parties involved – the person making the report and the person who the report is about.
The University has a duty of care to all students, therefore advice and support is available to everyone involved in such situations - whatever the circumstances, you are not on your own.
In cases where students are in conflict, for example where one student has reported another student to the police for criminal behaviour, or to the University for misconduct, the University will consider how best to ensure that all parties have fair access to their education and/or can meet the conditions of any restrictions (e.g. bail conditions).
Any measures put in place do not imply guilt and are implemented to allow an investigation to take place.
Whether you think you have acted appropriately or inappropriately, you may find the following useful to consider:
● Is your understanding of the Student Code of Conduct up to date?
● Do you have a clear understanding of the types of behaviour that might be seen to constitute sexual harassment, bullying, hate crime etc?
● Are you familiar with the likely next steps in an investigation? See 'Understanding the Disclosure Process' for information about what happens after a report is made
● What support do you require?
Sources of Support for Students
The Safeguarding and Welfare Team can provide practical support and guidance to help you deal with welfare issues resulting from being accused of misconduct. The team can help with:
- concerns related to your academic studies
- concerns around harassment or bullying you might be experiencing as a result of the allegations
- housing issues
- liaising with the police in realtion to an investigation
- putting in place precautionary measures to ensure that you're able to meet any bail conditions
To contact the team please email - safeguardingandsupport@sheffield.ac.uk
The Student Wellbeing Service offer practical and emotional support to students experiencing challenging situations. They provide one-to-one sessions to help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and to better manage your wellbeing. To book an appointment with your faculty Wellbeing Advisor please visit the Student Wellbeing Service
● Student Advice Centre (Students’ Union) are a professional, impartial, confidential and non-judgemental service, providing advice, support and representation to help students resolve their problems. For contact details and further information please visit Student Advice Centre
● Personal Tutor - if your studies are being affected, you may want to reach out to staff in your department to let them know what has happened to you to receive advice and support
External Support
● In cases where there is, or might be Police involvement, you may wish to seek professional or legal advice
● Samaritans provide a non-judgemental listening based service that you can call free from any phone on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/