Guidance if you receive a report of sexual harassment from a member of staff

Step 1: Listen and be supportive

  • Listen with empathy and compassion. Reassure the colleague that there is support available and that you can help them access it.
  • Line managers will have a responsibility to escalate any report of assault, harassment, violence or discrimination which involves another colleague and/or student, as part of the University’s duty of care to employees. This should be discussed with their local P&OD/HR team for further advice.
  • Peers/colleagues should refer the reporting party to their local P&OD/HR team for further support and guidance.


Step 2: Complete the University reporting form

  • Advise the colleague that you will use the reporting form to record their report.

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Advice on completing the form

  • If the colleague has given permission for their name to be shared, enter their details on the reporting form.  Proactive contact will then be made by a member of staff from EDU/P&OD to ensure that the colleague receives appropriate support and understands their reporting options.  
  • If the colleague does not give permission for their name to be shared, the form must still be submitted, and the report anonymised.  Please note and inform the reporting party that no action can be taken by EDU/P&OD when an anonymous report is submitted.  However, it is important that incidents are recorded to gain an accurate picture around the numbers of incidents and to inform ongoing work. (See Step 3 for support information which should be provided to the colleagues as they will not receive any contact).  
  • Make it clear on the form that you are a member of staff, have met with the reporting person and have heard their initial report.
  • Ensure you note only what the reporting person tells you.  Do not change or edit their words.
  • Submissions made using the reporting tool are treated confidentially and will not be shared without consent, unless the University has a duty to act.  Read the FAQs on the reporting tool.

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Step 3: Provide details of available support

Internal support

  • Staff can get counselling through the University's EAP provider, accessed through our Health & Wellbeing Hub.  This is a free, confidential service that is external to the organisation and available 24 hours.

External support


Further information about reporting

Report an incident