The underlying principles of Report + Support were originally developed by the University of Manchester’s Equality Diversity & Inclusion Team, in collaboration with their Students’ Union in 2014. By combining our skills and their ground work we were able to develop the initial release of the project and in February 2017 Manchester’s Report + Support platform was launched.
Since then, the partnership has gone from strength to strength, watch this video to find out how.
Supporting the University of Manchester’s Commitment to Student Safety
At Culture Shift, we are proud to work alongside the University of Manchester in their continuous efforts to prioritise student safety, well-being, and support. Since 2017, our partnership has focused on creating a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for all students through the Report and Support platform. This initiative has been instrumental in providing a clear and confidential channel for students to report incidents of misconduct, discrimination, and other concerns, ensuring that they can seek help when needed.
The Report and Support platform is more than just a tool for reporting; it’s a vital part of the University’s commitment to transparency, trust, and proactive care. Through this system, the University is able to gather real-time data on the prevalence of different issues across the campus. By doing so, they can respond swiftly and effectively, allocating resources and support where it’s most needed, whether through targeted campaigns, specialised training, or enhanced support services. The platform has proven to be an essential resource in identifying trends and addressing concerns as they arise, helping the University stay ahead of potential issues before they escalate.
One of the key benefits of the Report and Support platform is its ability to provide a clear, easy-to-navigate reporting process for students. The University of Manchester, as a large institution, understands the challenges students face when it comes to knowing where to turn for help. In the past, students might have found it difficult to identify the right person or service to approach. With the Report and Support platform, however, students are empowered to report incidents in a way that is both straightforward and confidential, knowing that the system is trusted and designed with their best interests in mind.
The success of the platform can be seen in the growing number of reports it receives year on year. In its first year of operation, the platform received approximately 200 reports. Today, that number has grown significantly to over 650 reports annually. This increase in reports is a positive indicator of the growing confidence students have in the system. More students are reaching out for support, trusting that their concerns will be heard and addressed in a safe and confidential environment. This shift in student behaviour is a testament to the effectiveness of the platform in fostering a culture of openness and trust.
In addition to facilitating reporting, the Report and Support platform allows the University to identify emerging trends and issues within the student body. For example, the platform enables the University to anticipate issues that may arise at key times during the academic year, such as during Freshers’ Week or exam periods. With this foresight, the University can tailor its preventative measures, such as awareness campaigns or specialised workshops, to address specific concerns before they become widespread problems. This proactive approach is a crucial element of the University’s broader strategy to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus environment.
The University of Manchester recognises that being a socially responsible institution goes beyond just providing academic excellence; it also involves ensuring the safety and well-being of every student. This includes taking a stand against sexual misconduct, discrimination, and violence, and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity. By investing in a robust reporting system, the University is demonstrating its commitment to addressing these serious issues head-on and creating a campus where students can thrive both academically and personally, without fear of discrimination or harm.
At Culture Shift, we are proud to be part of this important work. The partnership between our organisation and the University of Manchester reflects a shared commitment to improving student experiences and creating lasting change on campuses across the UK. By providing students with a safe, accessible, and trusted platform to report concerns, the University is not only supporting the individuals who come forward but also sending a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated.
As we continue to work together, we are excited to see the ongoing impact of the Report and Support platform. Our joint efforts are helping to build a culture where students feel empowered to speak up, confident that their concerns will be addressed with the utmost care and professionalism. Together, we are working towards a future where every student at the University of Manchester can feel safe, supported, and respected, no matter their background or experience.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your institution with Report + Support, book a demo.
