Support for staff

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, both inside and outside of the workplace

At University College Birmingham, we are committed to creating a community free from sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, spiking, and domestic abuse.

We understand that these experiences can have a significant emotional and practical impact. That’s why we offer confidential support for staff who have been affected, regardless of when or where the incident occurred, or whether you choose to make a formal report.

Our service is here to listen, support, and empower you. Whether you’re seeking advice, emotional support, or guidance through the reporting process, we will work with you to explore your options and help you make informed decisions about what feels right for you.

Speak out and support

You can share what happened in whichever of these two ways feels most comfortable for you.

To arrange an appointment with one of our advisers, please complete our online form. You may choose how much information you wish to share, and accessing support does not require making a formal report. Alternatively, you can choose to report anonymously.

Complete form

Report anonymously

If you are having difficulty completing the form, please email studentcases@ucb.ac.uk.

If you're in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 999 immediately. Try to move somewhere safe. If you're on campus, contact UCB Security (24/7) by calling 078 8904 5265 or go to the nearest UCB building and ask someone to phone Security for you.

If you’re on campus and at risk, you can contact Safeguarding by emailing safeguarding@ucb.ac.uk for support.

Need urgent help after a recent incident?

If an incident has just happened, you can contact your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). The one closest to UCB is Horizon SARC, which offers free and confidential support, whether or not you want to report to the police.

Services include:

  • Forensic Medical Examinations, carried out by trained professionals (with your consent)
  • Access to a Crisis Worker, who can listen, explain your options, and help coordinate support (including police, counselling, or ISVA services)

Self-refer anytime by calling: 0330 223 0099

Learn more by watching the NHS video: "Turn to us, we are here"

To find another SARC near you, visit the NHS website.

Please avoid using self-swabbing kits advertised online. Forensic evidence should only be collected by trained professionals.

Support at University College Birmingham

We understand that sharing your experience can be difficult. You're not alone - we’re here to support you and help you make informed decisions about what happens next.

Speak to a UCB Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Adviser

If you’ve experienced sexual violence, harassment, or any other form of misconduct, you can report the incident via our reporting system and request to speak with a trained specialist adviser. They can support you emotionally and practically, signposting therapeutic options, and explaining reporting procedures. You do not have to make a formal report to access support. 

24/7 Support: Employee Assistance Programme
In addition to in-house support, students also have access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a confidential 24/7 helpline offering:

  • Emotional support
  • Counselling
  • Legal and financial advice
  • Practical guidance for everyday challenges
  • This service is available day or night, 365 days a year.

Wisdom App

The Wisdom App gives you access to a wide range of mental health and wellbeing resources, including self-help tools, guided meditations, and wellbeing articles - all at your fingertips.

Please find the app downloadable from your app marketplace. Find out more.

External support services

These local and national organisations offer additional specialist support:

Horizon SARC - 0330 223 0099

RSVP (Rape & Sexual Violence Project) - counselling and ISVA support

GINA - immediate, specialist-paid counselling & student support hub

The Survivors Trust - resources and support for survivors

Victim Support - 0808 168 9111

Women’s Aid - support for people subjected to domestic abuse

Black Country Women’s Aid & Birmingham Women’s Aid - trauma support and advocacy

Umbrella Sexual Health - 0121 237 5700 (self-refer)

Birmingham LGBT - support including ISVA and wellbeing services

GALOP - support for LGBT+ survivors of violence or abuse

SurvivorsUK - counselling and online support for male survivors

Safeline - male helpline and online support

Kooth - anonymous online counselling for young people

The Waiting Room - local wellbeing service directory for Birmingham & Solihull

Reporting to the police

If you do not feel it is an emergency, you can still report the incident by:

They have specially trained officers who can support you through the process. Here is information about reporting incidents.

Making a formal complaint to UCB

If you wish to make a formal complaint, a sexual harassment and misconduct adviser can guide you through the process.

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