Building a speak up culture with the University of York

Gemma McCall

| Leadership
|
| 3 min read
Image of woman; Nicola Campbell from the University of York, sat in front of a wide window facing just off camera in an interview

Watch how the Culture Shift’s reporting platform Report + Support has enhanced University of York’s approach to tackling harassment on campus.

 

Partnering with the University of York

At the University of York, fostering a culture of openness and trust is a priority. That’s why the Report + Support platform, developed in partnership with Culture Shift, has become such a vital tool for empowering students and staff to speak up and seek help when they need it most.

Initially introduced thanks to a student-led campaign, Report + Support has transformed the way the University supports its community. Acting as a straightforward “front door,” the platform allows users to report incidents without having to navigate complicated systems. It provides a clear, meaningful route for students and staff to share their experiences, ensuring issues are addressed effectively and with care.

“There’s no reputational risk in admitting that things happen. The only risk is not knowing,” says Nicola Campbell, Head of Conduct and Respect at University of York; highlighting the importance of transparency and action. By enabling quick access to data and identifying trends, the University has been able to lobby for meaningful change, ensuring resources are allocated to areas where they’re needed most.

Beyond reporting, the platform is a tool for advocacy and improvement. Trends identified through Report and Support are shared within committee structures, driving conversations about discrimination, harassment, and how best to tackle these challenges. It’s not just about collecting information, it’s about using it to create a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone.

Students have praised the platform for being easy to navigate and delivering clear follow-ups on reports, which helps manage their expectations and build trust in the process. Staff, too, have found the data-reporting tools invaluable for creating actionable insights without requiring complex analysis.

By providing a single point of contact for reporting and support, University of York is taking a stand against discrimination and harassment, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern addressed. This commitment to fostering a culture of speaking up is central to the University’s strategic aim of understanding and addressing issues that impact the community.

Working with Culture Shift has made this vision a reality. “It’s more than just a system, it’s a comprehensive package designed to achieve real change,” reflects Nicola Campbell, Head of Conduct and Respect at University of York. Report and Support empowers students and staff to share their stories, facilitates proactive responses, and helps drive continuous improvement.

To learn more about Report + Support click here

Gemma McCall

I am the co-founder and CEO of Culture Shift, a SAAS company that believes in using tech to bring positive change to people all over the world. For over six years, I have been leading the development and growth of our real-time reporting platform, which empowers organisations to identify and prevent unacceptable behaviours, such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

https://culture-shift.co.uk/resources/higher-education/building-a-speak-up-culture-with-the-university-of-york

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