Harassment Contacts are trained volunteers. They provide a confidential listening and information service to both students and staff who feel bullied or harassed. Volunteers can also support those who have been accused of bullying or harassment. You can find out more on the diversity website. (We know some people had initially put their names forward for this last year. Apologies, but we need to re-start the process so please apply again now.)
As a Harassment Contact (HCs), you will help individuals identify the surrounding issues, and explore the various options available to them. You may then suggest other suitable support services, or simply provide a sympathetic but impartial listening ear to people finding themselves in stressful situations. You will not be offering counselling or other formal advice. Members of University and SUSU staff at any grade and from any job family are welcome.
What should I do next?
You will first need to attend the briefing session on Friday 28 June, 1pm-3pm. Here you can explore the role alongside some of the other current HCs, without commitment at this point. It will enable you to decide whether you wish to go ahead to the next stage of becoming an HC, which will entail attending an all-day event on Monday 2 September. This will cover the legal framework, University policies and reporting procedures, plus a practical skill-building workshop.
After initial training, support work typically takes up 1-2 hours per month, though this can vary through the year. HC team meetings and additional training will be available regularly.
If you are interested but unable to attend the 28 June session, please contact Kamaljit Kerridge-Poonia Head of Equality and Diversity, for a one-to-one briefing – [email protected].