How to respond to sensitive disclosures from students Talk

The EDI and Research Culture team from the Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health (WCCEH) in collaboration with University of Exeter’s Casework team and the University Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture Committee, are delighted to be welcoming Alice Ludgate (University of Bath) and Neil Gillett (University of Plymouth) to the University of Exeter to speak about how to respond to sensitive disclosures from students, and a training they have developed for people working in student-facing roles in higher education. All Academic and Professional Services Staff in student-facing roles who'd like to better understand how to support a victim/survivor of sexual violence are welcome to attend this session. It may be particularly relevant for those working in well-being services, student support, in pastoral care, or as Academic tutors. How to respond to sensitive disclosures from students Making a decision to go to university is one of excitement, perhaps some nerves, and anticipation. Students do not expect their life at university to be impacted by sexual violence or harassment, whether directly or indirectly. Consequently, when it happens (and no surprises, it does happen), they may tell a trusted member of staff or it may come out of the blue during a conversation with staff about something completely different. Being that member of staff on the receiving end of a disclosure can be difficult, and in this session we are delighted to welcome two leaders from South West universities who have developed training for staff to support them with this. You do not need to be a specialist, or have detailed knowledge, and this 90-minute session will give you a broader understanding of why it needs to be nothing more than to be compassionate and kind, but also, why your response to a disclosure is important. Alice and Neil’s presentation will cover topics including: The prevalence of sexual violence and misconduct in higher education Assumptions, victim blaming and consent The barriers to talking about serious incidents How to respond to a disclosure and helpful language to use Signposting and looking after yourself In addition to Alice and Neil’s presentation, Sarah Donaldson from the University of Exeter’s Casework team will speak about the trauma informed, victim/survivor led approach to sexual violence that is being taken in the University. Alice Ludgate - Director of Student Support and Safeguarding, University of Bath Alice Ludgate has worked in higher education for 11 years, currently at the University of Bath where she is Director of Student Support and Safeguarding. Part of Alice’s role involves ensuring there are safe and effective, well-resourced services for students, but also that academic staff and other professional services colleagues know how to signpost and facilitate student access to these services. Students will often talk to their friends or indeed other staff before accessing support, and Alice has worked for many years with other university staff to equip them with the skills and knowledge to signpost and deliver appropriate pastoral support. Alice has a particular interest in preventing violence against women and girls, trauma-informed practice, and mental health. Neil Gillett – Head of Student Services, University of Plymouth Neil has worked across several universities over the past 15 years, both in a student advisory capacity and also as a leader of services. He is currently Head of Student Services at the University of Plymouth where he has oversight of supporting students throughout their time studying to enable them to succeed, through wellbeing support, disability advice, pastoral and spiritual support, international student experience, and funding advice. His team also oversees the student conduct process and a team of Sexual Violence Liaison Officers who support staff and students who experience harassment or sexual violence. Neil has a strong interest in making access to student support as seamless and easy as possible, empowering staff to know how they can contribute to this. Sarah Donaldson – University Cases Manager and institutional Lead for Sexual Misconduct Sarah has worked at the University of Exeter for the past 8 years and leads the University’s response to sexual misconduct. Based in the University’s Casework team, Sarah’s work is closely aligned with the University’s Wellbeing and Welfare Service, working to ensure that students who experience sexual violence are appropriately supported in a victim-led, trauma-informed manner. Sarah oversees the work of the University’s Casework team who undertake investigations into student misconduct, and supports the vital work of disciplinary Boards with their consideration of misconduct in this area.