In immediate danger? Call 999 (police, ambulance, fire brigade), or go to A&E — find your nearest hospital.
On campus
Bedford Square: text/WhatsApp the Estates & Facilities Hotline, 07534 405 481 — they'll liaise with emergency services.
Birkbeck teaching spaces: dial 555 from any internal phone.
Non-emergency
Report and Support Services is not an emergency contact — use the numbers above for anything urgent.
Report an incident
No matter whether you are a student, member of staff or a third party visitor to Bloomsbury Institute, everyone has the right to feel safe. Harassment, bullying, any unwanted conduct or unacceptable behaviour is never okay and simply won't be tolerated.
Choose how to report:
You may choose to tell someone in person via Talk to someone below if you don't want to make an online report.
How you report and what happens next
Sharing an experience of inappropriate behaviour can be distressing. Disclosing something to staff may not necessarily lead to action (unless there is a duty of care) — but reporting through Report and Support Services means you can expect us to take some action. The extent depends on how you report, what you've experienced, and what you want to happen.
Report anonymously
You won't be required to share your name or contact details, and we won't be able to get in touch or advise on resolving the situation. There is some limited action we can take if names or identifiable information are mentioned. This option is useful when you want us to know about inappropriate behaviour but don't have the headspace for a named report — anonymous reports are collated and analysed to monitor incident prevalence and identify hotspots.
Report with contact details
You'll provide your name and contact details so an Advisor can contact you for further advice. The People and Development team assigns your report to the relevant support services. A brief description helps with assignment; a detailed one isn't necessary.
Action Bloomsbury Institute takes
If informal resolution is pursued, the reported person is contacted by an appropriate manager or tutor to resolve the matter directly. If the matter proceeds formally:
- A student's behaviour is investigated under the Student Disciplinary Procedure
- A staff member's under the Staff Grievance Procedures
Reporting on Report and Support Services does not automatically result in formal action — you'll be provided with support and guidance to make a formal case if you want to.
Talk to someone
You can make a report to any member of staff, who will listen and refer you to specialist support below.
Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLO)
Our SVLOs are here to support students and staff who have experienced sexual violence. They offer a safe space to discuss experiences, understand options, and access appropriate resources and support. The Director of SEWS and the Deputy COO are trained SVLOs.
[email protected] — email to make an appointmentReporting to the police
If you are considering reporting sexual misconduct to the police, Rape Crisis has produced a useful list of things to think about, and the Rights of Women guide clarifies the criminal investigation process. For male survivors, see malesurvivor.co.uk.
To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use their online form. On London public transport, you can report to TfL.
See the Dignity and Respect Policy and/or Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy for further information.
Student Engagement, Wellbeing and Success (SEWS)
SEWS is based at Bedford Square, ground floor. SEWS advisors are trained to talk through any problems and offer appropriate internal support or, when required, refer you to external specialists.
Email [email protected] to make an appointment, or visit the SEWS office at 7 Bedford Square — this is also where the SVLO is based.
SEWS Advisors can:
- Listen to you without making any judgements about what you say.
- Offer confidential information on issues relating to harassment, bullying and sexual misconduct.
- Explain the informal and formal procedures under the Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedures and Dignity and Respect Policy.
- Help you to explore the various options available to you.
- Help you to explore other sources of support which may be available to you.
SEWS Advisors cannot:
- Offer advice or solutions on what you should do.
- Act as your advocate.
- Make decisions on whether bullying or harassment has taken place.
- Maintain confidentiality if they believe that there is a risk of harm to you or others.
For mental health and wellbeing support, see the Wellbeing page or email [email protected]. The Student Guild can also advise and support you — [email protected].
More specialist support
If your situation involves hate crime, sexual assault, domestic abuse, or you're looking for support beyond Bloomsbury Institute, our External Support directory has helplines and specialist organisations covering bullying and harassment, hate crime, rape and sexual assault, domestic abuse, victims of crime, and mental health support.
Policies and procedures
A number of policies and procedures at Bloomsbury Institute address student and staff behaviour. These include:
- Dignity and Respect Policy
- Personal Relationships Policy and Procedure
- Report and Support Services – Duty of Care Guidance
- Report and Support Services – Privacy Notice
- Report and Support Services – Confidentiality Note
- Safeguarding Policy
- Staff Grievance Procedure
- Student Charter
- Student Complaints Policy and Procedures
- Staff Disciplinary Procedure
- Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedures
- Staff Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy
Want to talk to someone?
The SEWS team is your first point of contact for academic support, wellbeing, and anything else you need.
Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (except bank holidays)