What if a Formal Complaint is Made?
It can be very distressing if you have been accused of something, especially something serious.
If a formal complaint is made about your behaviour, this will be dealt with using the relevant policies and procedures for students or staff. The complaint will be fully investigated and the University may then, if the complaint is upheld, take disciplinary action.
The University will not make assumptions on the relative merits of a complaint. If such behaviour is reported, then the University will investigate, ensuring the rights of all involved are protected and that timely support is provided to all parties. Preventative measures may be put in place if there is an indication of risk.
Some types of behaviour may be unlawful and allegations may lead to civil claims or criminal proceedings, independently of the University's disciplinary procedure. All those involved in a complaint will be treated fairly and offered advice and support. If there has been a crime reported, the University will comply with the requirements of the Police investigation.
Any judgements that are made as part of a University investigation will not constitute legal rulings on criminal activity.
Nobody should be victimised for making a complaint or for supporting someone who does e.g. by acting as a witness.
Sharing Outcomes of Investigations
We recognise how important it is for the reporting party that they are directly informed about the progress, decisions made and the reasons for those decisions relating to their case or investigation. The extent to which we can disclose outcomes of cases to reporting parties will be determined on a case-by-case basis taking account of data protection legislation and, for students, higher education regulatory requirements. If you have been accused of something (i.e. you are the reported party), you will be informed before any of your information is shared with the reporting party.
Concerned About Your Own Behaviour?
Recognising that your behaviour may be impacting others negatively is an important first step to changing it. It might be useful to think about some of the behaviours that describe:
If you do recognise some of these behaviours in yourself, support is available
Sheffield Hallam Support for Students
Student Wellbeing
Reported parties, or accused parties, are eligible to access wellbeing support through the University Student Wellbeing Service. You can register for support via this link: Register to book an appointment.
Students’ Union Advice Team
The Students' Union provides a confidential, non-judgemental and free advice service available to all Sheffield Hallam University students. It is independent from the University, so issues raised with the advice service will not appear on your SHU file without your consent. Book an appointment. The advice team provides specialist advice and support on academic issues such as concerns about your University experience, formal complaints and appeals, disciplinary hearings and academic misconduct investigations.
Student Support Advisor
If you feel your studies have been affected by what has happened, you can consider applying for extenuating circumstances. A Student Support Advisor in your College will be able to provide more information.
Sheffield Hallam Support for Staff
Trade Unions
Sheffield Hallam University recognises UNISON, GMB, UNITE and UCU. Staff who are members can contact them for support and advice.
Local Human Resources contacts
If you are a member of staff or manager your HR partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you.
Staff Wellbeing
The University's staff wellbeing pages (staff only) link to a range of support services.
External Sources of Support
ACAS - Provide information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems.
Respect - A confidential and anonymous helpline for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner.
The Freedom Programme - free courses for both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse
Samaritans - Talk to the Samaritans any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. Call 116 123 at any time.