Support and Information for students who have been accused of misconduct
As members of our student community, we all have a responsibility to consider the impact of our behaviour on others. Anyone who feels harassed, intimidated or harmed by another person’s behaviour has the right to challenge that behaviour and to ask for it to be addressed. This may lead them to report the behaviour to the University.
When we receive a report of unwanted behaviour, we will assess the report and determine an appropriate response, for example an alternative resolution or investigation in line with the University's Regulations relating to the Discipline of Students.
We know that it can be difficult and stressful to be accused of harassment or sexual misconduct behaviour and this page sets out the support and guidance that is available to you as a reported party.
If you're a staff member who’s been accused of harassment and/or sexual misconduct you can find further information here.
What to do if someone views your behaviour as unacceptable
If you’re told that a person views your behaviour as unacceptable, we encourage you to:
- Not panic or take action that you may later regret. Irrespective of whether you think you have acted rightly or wrongly, it is always best to take advice first and act second.
- Not try to contact the person/s who has made a report about you. Contacting someone after they raise concerns about your behaviour could be seen as intimidating or retaliatory, even if this isn’t your intention.
- Limit making comments about the matter to other friends or house/classmates or on social media.
- Listen to the particular concerns expressed. It’s good practice to take time to reflect on the other person’s perception of your behaviour. Even if you feel that your behaviour was well-intentioned, your words or actions may have hurt or caused distress to another person. Can you use this situation as an opportunity for learning, or changing your behaviour?
- Ensure that your understanding of the Student Code of Conduct is up to date.
Further information about the alternative resolutions process and disciplinary investigations can be found below. If the misconduct took place in (or was related to) University residences, the Residence Life Conduct team would usually lead on any resolutions. Refer to Residence Life led resolutions.
Accessing support
If you’ve been accused of something, you may feel scared, ashamed, alone or trapped, or in shock. These feelings can be hard to manage on your own. Support is available if you need to talk to someone.
The Safeguarding and Welfare team can provide practical support and guidance to help you deal with welfare issues. 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
- help with accessing financial support or housing issues
- facilitating police liaison in relation to an investigation
To contact the team, use their online enquiry form.
Residence Life can provide practical support and guidance if you live in University accommodation. This can be concerns related to your academic studies, harassment or bullying you might be experiencing as a result of the allegations, or facilitating liaison about ongoing investigations. They can also help with concerns relating to your accommodation or other residents.
Residence Life will work with colleagues in Accommodation or the wider University to provide support and guidance, or signpost to appropriate services. Contact the team or request an appointment with a support manager by emailing residentsupport@sheffield.ac.uk.
The Student Wellbeing Service offers 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.
Book an appointment with a wellbeing adviser
Academic school
If your studies are being affected by your circumstances, you may want to reach out to staff in your academic school to let them know what has happened and to access academic advice and support, for example information about submitting extenuating circumstances or taking a Leave of Absence. The Safeguarding and Welfare team (or Residence Life if you live in University accommodation) can also support you with this.
Student Advice Centre (Students’ Union)
The Student Advice Centre in the Students’ Union is independent of the University. An advisor can talk you through the University’s discipline procedures and support you through the disciplinary process. You can email advice@sheffield.ac.uk to seek support and arrange an appointment with an adviser.
External support
If you are subject to a police investigation you should seek independent legal advice. The University is not able to provide legal advice to students
The Samaritans provide a non-judgemental listening based service that you can call free from any phone on 116 123.
Managing ongoing contact with the reporting party
The Risk Assessment Panel convenes where a risk to students, the University community, members of the public and/or the interests of the University has been identified, relating specifically to statutory safeguarding, the Prevent Duty and/or student conduct. The Risk Assessment Panel will normally meet when a report of serious misconduct has been made in order to assess any risk associated with the report.
It is very important that you comply with any precautionary measures that are put in place. Any breach of these measures could be considered an aggravating factor in an investigation and could lead to further disciplinary action.