Content note: This article contains detailed discussion of disciplinary procedures and discussion of abuse and discrimination.

In an email sent to students this afternoon, Professor Graham Virgo, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, announced the launch of the University’s new reporting system, Report+Support.

The system, which will allow students and staff (including temporary workers) to anonymously or formally report inappropriate behaviour, will allow for reports of abuse, discrimination or misconduct to be tracked whilst maintaining the anonymity of those reporting actions if they wish.

Virgo emphasised in the email: “We want the University of Cambridge to be a place where everyone can feel safe and thrive. Abusive behaviour, discrimination, sexual misconduct and physical misconduct should have no place here.”

He added: “This system can be used to report all forms of inappropriate behaviour – big and small. During an investigation, the University can take action to ensure the person reporting the behaviour can continue to study and feel safe, this may include preventing contact with the student or staff member they have reported.”

The Report+Support website notes that, in instances where reports are anonymised, “we [the University] use this information to monitor trends at the University and to inform our proactive and preventative work.” In these instances, no formal action will be taken, but those who have had claims made against them in the report may be made aware of the concerns raised.

The University will also work with the Office of Student Conduct, Complaints and Appeals (OSCCA) where the reporter is happy for their identity to be disclosed, and the person who submitted the online form will be contacted within five working days. The system’s new website outlines the details of this process.

The website also signposts resources discussing the forms of discrimination and misconduct.