Support with
Reporting Unacceptable Behaviour
If you, or someone you know, has been affected by harassment and sexual misconduct or unwanted actions, please read the following information to find out what support and advice is available and how to report an incident.
We’ve also included details of services that can help both on and off campus, including UCFB’s dedicated Student Support Services.
How we can help
Sexual abuse can take many forms. In addition to rape and sexual assault this also includes sexual harassment; any behaviour that is humiliating, intimidating, hostile, or unwanted. This might involve derogatory name-calling, belittling remarks, insults, threats, or unwanted personal attention.
It can also involve any kind of sexual activity that occurs without a person’s full and informed consent. This may include physical contact, verbal comments, or the sharing of images or messages online or via text.
Sexual abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, class, or background. In many cases, sexual assault is carried out by someone known to the individual, such as a partner, friend, colleague, or family member, though it can also be committed by strangers.
If you’ve experienced harassment or sexual misconduct, please know you are not alone. You are not required to report the incident to the police unless you choose to. However, only the police can carry out a formal investigation.
UCFB is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment for all students and staff. Support is available to help you make informed choices about what to do next.
All students, staff and visitors can report an incident in any of the following ways:
- You can report an incident via our online form – your report will be sent confidentially to dedicated staff within UCFB. This can also be an anonymous submission.
- If you find yourself in an emergency situation, please call 999.
- Report to Greater Manchester Police via the Greater Manchester Police online reporting form or by calling 101 from any phone, including a mobile.
- Report to London Metropolitan Police via the London Metropolitan Police online reporting form or by calling 101 from any phone, including a mobile.
UCFB takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse and will take action against any student or staff member who is deemed to have breached the Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Our Pastoral and Wellbeing Support Service provides students with a friendly and confidential environment where they are encouraged to talk and are listened to when they have a worry, a concern, or just need some help or guidance. To speak to one of our advisors, please contact StudentSupport@ucfb.ac.uk.
Additionally, UCFB students have access to a Student Assistance Programme (SAP) which offers 24/7/365 free and confidential counselling through telephone and / or video as well as chat-messaging support, with no appointment necessary. You can reach out anytime via the app, or by calling free on 0800 464 2426.
If you want to explore external support the following organisations are available:
- Victim Support is the independent charity for people affected by crime and traumatic events in England and Wales. Their support is free and confidential.
- Rape Crisis provide information and support, and you can contact their 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line and speak to one of their specialists.
- Galop support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.
- The Samaritans offer a free, confidential support service for people who are struggling with a difficult time or considering suicide.
- Mankind providing support for men in England and Wales affected by unwanted sexual experiences.
- NHS provides specialist medical care after rape and sexual assault.
We are committed to ensuring that students and staff understand what harassment and sexual misconduct is, how to report it, the support available, what consent is and how to intervene effectively.
All students are required to complete mandatory online courses developed by UCFB, among other training initiatives provided throughout the student journey.
All staff are required to complete a mandatory online course on Sexual Harassment Awareness, among other training initiatives provided throughout each academic year.
Information and documentation relating to UCFB’s Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and procedures can be found by clicking the link below:
Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy
Information and documentation relating to UCFB’s Personal Relationships Policy can be found by clicking the link below:
Information and documentation relating to UCFB’s Freedom of Speech Policy can be found by clicking the link below:
Information and documentation relating to UCFB’s Community Charter can be found by clicking the link below:
Information and documentation relating to UCFB’s Transparency and Confidentiality Statement can be found by clicking the link below:
UCFB does not and will not use Non-Disclosure Agreements to prevent the investigation of complaints of sexual misconduct or other inappropriate behaviour or to prevent responsible whistleblowing.
UCFB will provide reports once per year which will anonymise the data and provide insights into the number of cases outcomes and any trends. This will be made available to a range of internal stakeholders and committees and will inform how the institution continues to work to provide a safe environment.
The Office for Students (OfS) have published the results of the sexual misconduct survey conducted in early 2025. The guide for students is available:
