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Understanding the process

Not every report results in a formal investigation. Students may choose to seek support, discuss options, share information anonymously, submit a named report, or request action under a formal University procedure. The University's response will depend on the information available, the wishes of those involved, safeguarding considerations and any applicable policies or legal obligations.

Where appropriate, the University may gather preliminary information before deciding whether a formal investigation is required.

When we receive a report of alleged misconduct from staff, students or parties external to the University, an initial assessment of the report is made by the Student Cases Management Group to determine whether the report warrants a full investigation under the Student Misconduct Policy and Procedure. The initial assessment centres on the credibility, relevance and seriousness of the allegations. It may be necessary in some instances for information to be gathered to inform the decision-making process.

Report received

Not every report results in a formal investigation. Students may choose to seek support, discuss options, share information anonymously, submit a named report, or request action under a formal University procedure. The University's response will depend on the information available, the wishes of those involved, safeguarding considerations and any applicable policies or legal obligations.

Where appropriate, the University may gather preliminary information before deciding whether a formal investigation is required.

If the initial assessment determines that a formal investigation is required, an independent investigator with the appropriate experience, expertise and independence is appointed. The investigator conducts a thorough and unbiased investigation. The investigation involves gathering evidence, conducting interviews and reviewing relevant documentation.

At the earliest stage of the process, we will consider whether any immediate wellbeing support, safeguarding actions, risk assessments or temporary precautionary measures are required. Any precautionary measures introduced at this stage are neutral arrangements intended to support safety, wellbeing and the integrity of the process. They are not findings that allegations have been proven.
 

Assigning an investigator

All of our investigators are trained and are part of a University community of practice to ensure currency of knowledge and understanding around both internal and sector best practices. Wherever possible, an investigator will have no connection to the reporting students’ school or location of where the alleged incident took place.

When seeking investigators for a case, investigators are asked to identify any potential conflicts of interest which may prevent them from investigating a case. We also identify any specific areas of expertise of the investigators to help with case allocation where possible. For example, when it comes to sexual harassment and misconduct, we will only assign an investigator who is suitably experienced and/or trained/qualified to investigate sexual harassment and misconduct cases.

Our commitment to fairness

The University is committed to conducting investigations fairly, proportionately and without bias.Individuals involved in a process will be treated with dignity and respect. Decisions will be based on the information available and the relevant standard of proof. Those involved will be given opportunities to provide information, respond to relevant evidence and access appropriate support throughout the process.We recognise that reports and allegations can be distressing for everyone involved. We seek to balance the welfare of individuals with the need to ensure fair and robust decision-making.

Trauma-informed approach

The University recognises that experiences of harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, violence or other harmful behaviour may affect how individuals engage with University processes.Where appropriate, we seek to adopt a trauma-informed approach which supports participation, minimises avoidable distress and helps individuals engage with procedures while maintaining fairness to everyone involved. A trauma-informed approach does not predetermine outcomes or remove requirements for evidence gathering and decision-making.

Freedom of speech and academic freedom

The University applies its procedures in a way that is consistent with freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom.Universities are environments where ideas, viewpoints and academic debate may be explored and challenged. Exposure to lawful teaching, research, academic discussion or course content will not, on its own, normally amount to misconduct, harassment or discrimination.The University will carefully consider context, intent, impact and the relevant policy framework when assessing concerns.

Notifying and rights of responding student(s)

• The responding student(s) are notified of the allegations as soon as reasonably practicable. Practical considerations include considering the welfare of responding students (for example, avoiding notifying them on a Friday afternoon before most University services become unavailable), as well as when sensitive information about the allegation is released, and the commencement of investigation.
• Responding students are provided with an overview of the allegations that have been made, the process and their rights throughout the process, and the potential consequences.
• The University retains an impartial position and has a duty of care to all its students, irrespective of whether they are a reporting or responding student. Responding students are offered, and have access to support from, University services (such as Counselling and Wellbeing) and the Student’s Union (such as the Advice Centre) as appropriate.

Support available to responding students

If a report has been made about you, you will receive information about the concerns being considered, the process that applies, opportunities to respond and the support available to you.

The University recognises that being involved in a process can be difficult or stressful. Support can be accessed throughout the process and is offered without prejudging the outcome of any investigation or hearing

Reporter and respondent proximity

At times it may be necessary for us to take action to safeguard all parties involved, which may require decisions being made to ensure parties do not come into contact with each other. In such instances precautionary measures may be put in place whilst an investigation is taking place. Sometimes it may be necessary for one of the parties involved to be temporarily suspended from areas of the campus or the campus itself. Any measures taken in this regard are not an indication of inferred guilt but to ensure both parties are safeguarded during the process.

An example where this approach may be taken is when both the reporting and responding students are in the same tutor group for a course with lots of practical activity or in-person attendance required. We work with our colleagues in schools to find solutions that minimise any negative impact on both reporting and responding students’ academic progress, however our priority is to ensure all parties involved are safeguarded. Any arrangements put in place will be monitored and students are able to request a review in specific circumstances, for example, where access learning materials to support study may be challenging.

Any precautionary measures introduced will be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain appropriate, proportionate and effective. Measures will normally remain in place only for as long as necessary to manage identified risks and support the safe progression of University activities.

Investigation process

The investigator will gather all the relevant evidence and facts during the investigation. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing communications and examining evidence. The principles of confidentiality and objectivity are central to the investigation process and all information and evidence gathered is handled with the utmost integrity.

Once the investigator has concluded their investigation, they will compile a report detailing their findings. The investigator does not determine whether misconduct has occurred but gathers all the necessary information for the case to be reviewed by an independent Student Misconduct Reviewer to determine whether there is a case to answer.

If misconduct is proven to have taken place at a Student Misconduct hearing, we will impose sanctions as outlined within the Student Misconduct Policy and Procedure. These sanctions may range from warnings to expulsion, depending on the severity of the misconduct.

How decisions are made

University investigations are not criminal investigations.

The purpose of an investigation is to establish what is more likely than not to have happened based on the available information and evidence.

University decisions are made using the balance of probabilities standard and determine whether University rules, policies or expectations have been breached. They do not determine whether a criminal offence has occurred

How information is handled

Information gathered during an investigation will be handled sensitively and shared only where necessary for support, safeguarding, risk management, investigation, decision-making, legal compliance or another lawful purpose.

The University seeks to respect individual privacy and confidentiality. However, there may be circumstances where information must be shared to protect individuals, meet safeguarding responsibilities or ensure a fair process.

Where possible, we will explain who may need access to information and why.

Keeping students informed

We recognise that investigations can take time and that uncertainty may be difficult for those involved.

Where possible, the University will keep individuals informed about key stages of the process, explain any significant delays and provide information about likely next steps.

Timescales may vary depending on the complexity of a case, the availability of evidence, safeguarding considerations or the involvement of external agencies.

Appeals

In keeping with the principles of fairness, we have an appeals process where parties involved with the process can highlight their dissatisfaction with the investigation outcome. Any appeal will be reviewed by an independent member of the University, ensuring the grounds for appeal are thoroughly considered. Full details of the appeals process can be found on our Student Misconduct Procedure page.

Reviews and appeals

The relevant procedure explains whether review or appeal rights are available, the grounds which may apply and any associated timescales.

Requests will normally be considered by an independent decision-maker who has had no prior involvement in the matter.

Investigator training

All investigators are provided with comprehensive training to support fair, sensitive and proportionate investigations. This helps ensure that those involved in student misconduct investigations understand the process, apply relevant University policies consistently, and approach meetings and interviews with care for the needs of everyone involved.

Training covers:

• the investigation process from initial report to final outcome, including case studies showing investigations in practice;
• relevant University policies and procedures, including the Student Code of Conduct;
• how to approach investigations and investigation interviews where support considerations or reasonable adjustments may be required, including disability-related accommodations;
• trauma-informed approaches to investigations;
• procedural fairness, evidence gathering and preventing bias;
• information handling, confidentiality and safeguarding;
• freedom of speech and academic freedom considerations, where relevant;
• support for reporting students, responding students and witnesses;
• self-care strategies for staff supporting others through difficult or traumatic experiences.

This training supports investigators to balance care, fairness and robust decision-making, and to conduct investigations in a way that treats students with dignity and respect.

Transparency and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to transparency and will continue to publish information and data where appropriate to support accountability and community understanding.The University uses learning from investigations, complaints, reporting trends, student feedback, Students' Union engagement, training evaluation and sector developments to strengthen prevention activity, improve support provision and enhance investigation practice.Regular reviews of policies, procedures, training arrangements and guidance help ensure our approach remains effective, fair and aligned with emerging sector expectations.