New confidential incident reporting process

At the University of Wolverhampton, the safety and wellbeing of students is our number one priority. We want you to feel secure and supported, whether on campus or studying remotely, with nothing limiting your ability to thrive throughout your studies.  

That's why we have a zero tolerance approach towards any form of unlawful discrimination, prejudice, bullying and harassment. Such incidents are never okay and will never be tolerated. As an institution, we are committed to ensuring all people are treated with dignity and respect. 

As part of our continuing efforts to support staff and students, we have launched a new incident reporting process that allows anyone studying or working with us to confidentially report experiences of bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, racism and hate crime - whether the incident occurred inside or outside the University.   

What is the purpose of this incident reporting process?

The University recognises the need to address barriers to reporting both staff and student incidents. This process has been set up to make it easier for you to make an anonymous report or, where contact details are given, to obtain support and guidance from a designated staff member or request the University to take formal action.

Who can submit a report?

All staff and students who have experienced an incident can make an anonymous report or a report with contact details.

What can be reported?

There are several types of incidents that can be reported:  

• Bullying
• Harassment
• Discrimination
• Hate incidents
• Stalking
• Controlling or coercive behaviour
• Domestic abuse
• Micro-aggressions
• Physical violence
• Sexual abuse.

These can be based on any of the following:

• Disability including learning disabilities, mental health, physical disabilities
• Gender and gender identity (for example, misogynistic abuse, transphobia)
• Race, which includes colour, nationality, ethnicity and national origin
• Religion and/or belief (for example, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism)
• Sexual orientation (for example, homophobia)
• Age
• Pregnancy or maternity leave

The above list is not exhaustive. If you feel you are being targeted because of perceived identity, please use the tool to report.

What happens once a report is submitted?

An anonymous report: If a report is made anonymously, the information may trigger an investigation and may be used for investigative purposes, but due to the anonymity of the report, the University will not be able to identify or contact you, and the investigation may be limited. 

Reports with contact details: By providing contact details rather than reporting anonymously, the University will be able to provide you with information on support options, internal and external to the University, and will direct you on how to take the informal or formal complaint forward.

Further information about the new process, including the form, can be found here.

Who will see the report and what will happen to your information

Information provided as part of the incident reporting process is stored centrally and securely with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team. Your report and contact details will be kept strictly confidential. 

If you have ticked the box to confirm that you consent to your form being issued to the relevant department because you would like your report to be investigated and receive support, it will be sent to a caseworker in Student Services.

If you have not provided your consent for further processing, then a member of the EDI team staff will contact you if you have provided contact details within two working days to check whether you would like any action to be taken with your form. You do not have to respond to this request, but it will help the staff member signpost you to the relevant support if you do.

Further information about the new process, including the form and a flowchart illustrating the process, can be found here.

Reporting in an emergency

Please note that this process is for non-emergency reports. Security can be reached at any time at the following:

• General Enquiries: internal: 2106/ external: 01902 322106
• In an Emergency:  internal: 5555/ external: 01902 322106

If you are in immediate danger, then please call 999 for the police

Students on campus can also download the Safezone app. The app promotes safety in several ways. It provides fast access to the Security team whenever and wherever you are on campus by allowing users to call for help and assistance when they need it most.

Find out more about our security apps

Dignity at Work and Study

Please note that this process does not replace the University’s existing Dignity at Work and Study policy. The web-based form may be used to raise a concern or complaint informally as an alternative to the informal route of the Dignity at Work and Study Policy. A report may also lead to a formal complaint being instigated, following the student’s agreement. If such a recommendation is not made, students retain the right to raise a formal complaint, as outlined in the Dignity at Work and Study policy.

Should there be any queries regarding this new process, please contact our dedicated mailbox: equality@wlv.ac.uk