Speak Up
If a situation doesn't feel right, Speak Up.
Overview
We want to create an inclusive campus where diversity is celebrated, antisocial attitudes and behaviours are challenged and any type of harassment, assault and discrimination aren't acceptable. We want you to speak up if you see or hear something that's not right, and be an active bystander.
Report and Support tool
Our online tool has been developed for UWE Bristol students to get help if you've experienced something on campus or on university business that makes you feel upset or uncomfortable.
With Report and Support, you can choose to speak with one of our trained advisers so they can discretely investigate incidents, or you can report issues anonymously.
Access Report and Support
United we pledge to SpeakUp
By signing up to this pledge you can signal your support for the University's approach for tackling racism, discrimination, and inappropriate behaviour, and make a commitment to do what you can in your role to help create a safe environment for everyone in our community. You'll even receive an image to use on your email signature.
I pledge to…
- Learn how to recognise and report racism, discrimination and inappropriate behaviour, call it out if it happens and encourage others to do the same.
- Engage in positive and open conversations which celebrate the power of diversity at UWE Bristol, actively seeking out the views of people who have experiences that are different from my own.
- Reflect on my own behaviours, and through my words and actions help to create a safe environment for everyone in our community.
United we pledge to SpeakUp. Together we are #TeamUWE.
Why sign the pledge?
Through SpeakUp we aim to amplify our diverse voices because representation matters. As a diverse, supportive community, we hear everyone's voice, respect everyone's opinion and value everyone's contribution.
We are creating a university culture that nourishes diversity, equality, and inclusion – building a diverse workplace and place to learn. In turn, helping build an inclusive world we all wish to live in.
We recognise that holding a position isn't enough. Our work must translate into visible and deliberate action.
Together we drive change for the better in all that we do. Everyone has a role to play in building a truly inclusive culture at UWE Bristol and everyone can make a positive difference through their day-to-day words and actions, however small.
Practical actions all students can take
- Question and reflect on the language and tone you use with other people day-to-day.
- Complete the UWE Bristol Community module (part of student induction) which introduces you to UWE’s values and challenges your thinking and practices.
- Complete Union Black Anti-Racism training: there’s a 1 hour primer, or 6 hour full course available.
- Have a conversation with someone about their lived experiences and reflect on how they may differ from your own.
- Use UWE Library’s collection of film, audio and books to find out more about Black, Disability, LGBT+ and Women’s Histories, and wellbeing resources.
- Know how you can report and get support if you've experienced something on campus or on university business that makes you feel upset or uncomfortable.
- Join the Speak Up student society.
- Engage with our History Month events: Black History Month, Disability History Month, LGBT+ History Month and Women’s History Month.
- Attend Students’ Union events.
- UWE Bristol sponsor events in Bristol: engage with and volunteer at Bristol Pride or St. Pauls Carnival.
- Need someone to talk to? Use UWE Wellbeing support to stay safe and well while you’re on your journey to create a safe environment for others.
- View the short films on creating an inclusive campus.
Help us create an inclusive campus
Our short films explain inappropriate behaviour:
Consent
Consent is mutual and a free choice. If you're not sure about a situation, ask. It’s your right to have control over your body, to express what you want; when; with whom and how, to change your mind and stop at any time. It’s your responsibility to respect the same rights of others.
Domestic abuse
Controlling someone’s behaviour, choices and freedom is abuse. It’s a crime that can take many forms including physical, sexual, psychological, financial, verbal or emotional.
Find out moreInappropriate use of social media
Misusing social media, such as cyberbullying or sharing someone’s image without their consent, can have lasting and legal consequences.
Initiation and humiliation ceremonies
Initiation and humiliation ceremonies are forms of bullying, and aren’t okay. We expect everyone at UWE Bristol to respect others.
Unwanted touching and groping
Everyone has the right to not be touched by another when they haven't consented. Unwanted sexual touching and groping is a crime.
Speak Up society
Take action today, become a Speak Up ambassador and join the Speak Up students’ society. You will have the chance to engage with other students and make a real difference for your community and the wider society. For more information and how to join, please email edi@uwe.ac.uk.
Find out more about Speak Up
You can get in touch with any questions or comments about Speak Up through edi@uwe.ac.uk. Please note that you can't report an incident this way.
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Safeguarding
Find out how to raise a safeguarding concern. We take all safeguarding concerns seriously and take proportionate and appropriate action.