There are a range of outcomes from reporting, depending on whether the report was made anonymously or with contact details, whether the reporting party wants to take informal or formal action, and whether there is enough evidence to conduct an investigation.
Below provides some anonymised case studies of what has previously happened with various reports.
Below provides some anonymised case studies of what has previously happened with various reports.
Case Study 1: Multiple anonymous reports from staff
Five anonymous reports were received in a fortnight from one department, citing bullying and poor work culture. These were reviewed and Director of Culture and Talent who met with the relevant Director and HR People Partner leading to:
- An immediate communication to the team emphasising that bullying and harassment is unacceptable and staff should report any incidents via Report + Support
- A team meeting to discuss the bullying and associated team culture issues in a psychologically safe environment
- A leadership team briefing to discuss the reports and their responsibility in preventing and addressing bullying and harassment
- A whole team meeting around our Principles in Action to embed positive ways of working.
Case Study 2: Named report from a member of staff
A professional services member of staff submitted a named report regarding their line manager, citing bullying and racism. This was passed to Human Resources who contacted the reporter to discuss their options. As informal resolution (mediation and discussion with the line manager’s manager) had not worked, the reporter decided to proceed by raising a grievance. An investigation was held and recommendations were made, including changing the line management structure at the reporter’s request.
Case Study 3: Named report from a student
A student complained about another student’s inappropriate behaviour which took place at a student event. The student making the report agreed to proceed with a formal investigation through a Stage Two Complaint. When Student Conduct & Appeals met with the reported student, they could not recall the incidents reported due to being under the influence of alcohol. The reported student expressed sincere remorse for their conduct. Misconduct charges were upheld and the outcomes issued included further training and reflection for the reported student, community service hours of voluntary work for a charitable organisation, as well as a No Contact Order for the wellbeing of both students.
Case Study 4: Named report from a student
A student reported that they had heard rumours that another student had taken sexual material of them without their consent. The two students had engaged in an intimate relationship in the past. The complainant agreed to proceed with a formal investigation through a Stage Two Complaint. The reported student denied the allegations. Witnesses came forward regarding the rumours and provided a statement that they had fabricated the rumours. The charges of misconduct were dismissed. However, it was recommended to the reported student that they provide a written document, signed and dated, confirming that they did not hold any sexual material of the other student and that this had not been shared. The reported student provided this document and it was shared with the complainant at their request.
Case Study 5: Intervention based on data
One faculty’s Report + Support data showed that bullying between staff members was an issue. They arranged and ran a session with one of their research centres on the use of language in the workplace. All staff and post-graduate research students in the centre attended, and it was very successful. Building on the feedback from that session, they will be organising a second session for the next term.