NeverOK
We believe that any form of harassment, abuse, sexual misconduct or discrimination is NeverOK. On this page you can find out how to get support and how to report incidents anonymously.
This webpage also acts as the ‘single comprehensive source of information’ required by the Office for Students (OfS registration condition E6: Misconduct and Sexual Harassment).
On this page you can find information about our approach to preventing and responding to incidents of harassment, sexual misconduct, and discrimination, including how to report an incident, preventative measures we take, support we have in place, and the relevant university policies, processes and regulations. If you have experienced sexual violence, domestic abuse, or harassment yourself, or are supporting someone who has, you can find information here about the support we offer, reporting options, and where to find further information and advice. If you are subject to an allegation of sexual violence, domestic abuse, or harassment, you will also find information here about the support available to you and guidance on the reporting and investigation process.
Support is available for those who have experienced unacceptable behaviour, and reporting options exist so that we can tackle these issues.
If you or someone else is in danger, please call:
01782 733999 for the Campus Safety Team, or 999 for the emergency services.
Report anonymously
The purpose of Report + Support at Keele University is to offer all who make a report a safe, accessible, and confidential way to report incidents and seek assistance. Our reporting tool will enable us to capture hate incidents which includes all forms of harassment, racism, homophobia, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct taking place in-person or online, on or off campus. Those who make a report will receive support. The platform is also an appropriate place for the reporting of other associated wellbeing concerns.
Anonymous reporting >
Community
An increased awareness of what is occurring across the University and in areas associated with Keele will help us to address unacceptable behaviours using appropriate interventions. By making a report you are helping us to improve the work, study, and social environment at Keele for everyone.
Sexual violence, domestic abuse and harassment
The following information serves as the University's single, centralised source of information on how we prevent and respond to harassment and sexual misconduct, in accordance with the Office for Students’ Condition of Registration E6. It brings together relevant policies, procedures, support services, reporting mechanisms and preventative initiatives in one place, to ensure transparency, clarity and ease of access for all students, staff and visitors.
Sexual violence
Sexual violence is defined as any unwanted sexual activity or act that takes place without consent, including non-consensual sex, sexual assault, stealthing, and unwanted sexual comments. It also includes social media and online activities, such as unwanted sexual images and revenge porn.
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse (or relationship abuse) is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour. Most cases of domestic abuse are perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner, but the term also applies to abuse carried out by a family member or carer.
Harassment
Harassment is defined as unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.
Reporting options and what to expect
Proactive and preventative work
Support
Students can access a range of support within the University, including our dedicated specialist Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) and Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer (DALO) teams. These teams can provide advice and support, facilitate referrals to additional services (with your consent), and help you to explore your reporting options if this is something you would like to do.
Students can also access support from:
- Student Experience and Support Officer Team
- Counselling and Mental Health Support
- 24/7 Out of Hours Support, including our Student Assistance Programme
- Advice and Support at KeeleSU (independent from the University)
Staff members can access support through Line Manager, Human Resources (hr.support@keele.ac.uk, 01782 731816), Occupational Health, Health Assured and external specialist providers.
