Our commitment to your safety

Many in our community will have seen the recent coverage of the case at Cornell University in the United States. It is a painful reminder of how much it matters that anyone who experiences sexual violence or harassment is listened to, believed and supported.

This article contains references to sexual assault and violence.

As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment on the case itself. What we can do is be open about what we stand for and how we respond here at Loughborough. Like other universities, we receive reports of sexual misconduct and harassment each year. We take each one seriously: we investigate, support those affected, and take action where it is warranted. We also know that we may only see a proportion of what happens, which is why we want everyone to know how to come forward, and to feel able to.

If recent events have brought up difficult feelings or experiences, that is understandable too. Support is available, and you do not need to have made a report to ask for it.

What you can expect from us

  • Each report will be taken seriously, and you will be treated with dignity and respect.
  • You will be offered support whether or not you make a formal complaint. Using the reporting portal does not mean you are making one, and you can choose how and when to report.
  • Reports are handled confidentially and fairly, and information is shared only where necessary and, wherever possible, with your consent.
  • Reporting or supporting someone who has reported will never be held against you.

What we can all do

  • Challenge unwelcome behaviour safely or check in with the person affected.
  • Look out for friends on a night out and make sure no one is left alone and vulnerable.
  • If something worries you, tell someone. You do not need to be certain.
  • Students: take part in Your Path, our training on consent, healthy relationships and bystander intervention. You can opt out without giving a reason.
  • Staff: if you have not already done so, complete the mandatory Defining Sexual Harassment and Consent (E6) training on Learn. It takes about 40 minutes.

LSU venue safety

Keeping students safe is a priority across all LSU venues. This is supported through:

  • Mandatory online consent training (Don’t Be a Dick) for entry to LSU venues.
  • Initiatives such as Ask Angela and free stop tops.
  • LSU’s Licensing SAVI (Security and Vulnerability Initiative) accreditation, which equips venue staff to identify and support vulnerable individuals.

Together, these help to create a safer night out for everyone.

How to raise a concern

Staff, students and visitors can all report, whether something has happened to you, you have witnessed it, or you are worried about someone else.

In person: visit Student Central in the Bridgeman Building during normal office hours.

Speak to someone you trust, such as your personal tutor, supervisor, hall warden, line manager or HR, who can help you report or raise it on your behalf.

Student reports are passed to trained investigators in Security, and staff reports to HR.

Support at the University

Students:

Our specialist wellbeing advisers offer confidential one-to-one emotional and practical support, including reasonable adjustments.

  • Walk into Student Central in the Bridgeman Building, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or attend the wellbeing drop-ins on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 12pm
  • Email: studentservices@lboro.ac.uk

Staff

Urgent support for everyone

  • 24/7: University Security at the Gatehouse, 01509 222141. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Further reading

We want everyone at Loughborough to feel safe, respected and supported, and we are committed to doing our part. If you have questions, ideas or concerns about how we can do better, please get in touch.