29 Oct 2021 - Statement from the Principal

Published: 29 October 2021

29 Oct 2021 - Statement from the Principal

Main Building above trees

Content Warning: This email content relates to sexual violence. If you would like to access support, without reading further, please follow link Dignity at Work and Study Support, Guidance and Reporting – this includes resources on sexual harassment, assault and violence.

The University of Glasgow will undertake an independent external review of our processes in terms of student and staff reporting of gender-based violence and sexual harassment cases.

The safety and wellbeing of everyone in our University of Glasgow community has always been, and always will be, my top priority.

I am deeply sorry that any member of our community has been subjected to abuse or harassment and to hear that any student or colleague has felt unsafe or unsupported during their time at the University.

I have listened to you and recognise that we need to work harder to prevent abuse, to educate, and to build upon the support we provide to survivors of gender-based violence and other forms of harassment.

We can, and will, do more.

I, and the Senior Management Group, are committed to embedding our values-led culture and fostering a climate of trust within our community where allegations will be dealt with swiftly, compassionately and appropriately, and we will continuously improve our approach to ensure better support for survivors.

I am initiating a full, independent investigation and review of our colleague and student complaints procedures and support networks, to ensure we do everything we can to safeguard our community.

The University has an online reporting mechanism in place and we actively encourage colleagues and students to report issues this way. Any colleague or student who comes forward is offered personal support, including advice on how to engage with counselling and wellbeing services and guidance on their reporting options.

I will share more information on the investigation and review as soon as possible, and make a commitment to act upon any recommendations made.

If you have been affected by these issues in any way, please reach out to us. You will find support resources below if you need them.

 

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli

Principal and Vice-Chancellor

University of Glasgow


Internal Support 

  • The University, in conjunction with Rape Crisis, has trained a group of staff as Sexual Violence and Harassment First Responders. They can provide information and support in confidence.
  • Students can book a consultation with the counselling service online, or by emailing studentcounselling@glasgow.ac.uk
  • Respect Advisers are volunteer members of staff who have been trained to offer confidential, impartial, advice and support to anyone experiencing issues with harassment or bullying.
  • Colleagues can access counselling support via PAM ASSIS

External Support 

  • Rape Crisis Scotlandprovide a national helpline and email support to anyone affected by sexual assault. The helpline operates between 6pm and Midnight on 08088 01 03 02. Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis can be contacted on 08088 00 00 14, Mon-Fri 11am – 2pm 

Further Reporting Information 

  • Useful information on external reporting can be found on the Police Scotland website here, along with helpline numbers and information videos.

 

Safety Information 

  • Student or colleagues with a smartphone are encouraged to download the Safezone App.
  • Students are reminded of the SRC’s Get Home Safe Schemewith Glasgow Taxis - Campus Security - University Gatehouse 0141 330 4282 / Crisis number 0141 330 4444 

 

First published: 29 October 2021