An allegation of misconduct can be distressing.
Personal support is available to you whether this allegation has been made to you informally, or you have been notified of a report to LSE or the police.
It’s good practice to take time to reflect about the other person’s perception of your behaviour. Even if you feel that your behaviour was well-intentioned, your words or actions may have hurt or distressed another person, and this may be thought of as an opportunity for learning, or perhaps for a change of approach.
- Listen carefully to the complaint and to the particular concerns expressed.
- Stop the behaviour that’s been complained about straight away; if you are deemed to have bullied or harassed somebody after their objection to your behaviour was made known to you, this will be seen as a more serious issue.
- You are likely to need advice and support to understand the complaint: find a way to discuss the matter with someone you trust, such as a manager or tutor. Student Services or HR to can also provide appropriate support.
- If you feel you are being unjustly accused, consider asking for mediation from HR or Student Services.
- Supported informal discussions involving you, the person alleging ill-treatment, and a trained mediator may enable you to discuss the issues and find a way forward.
What happens when something is reported?
It’s important to be aware that the university will not make assumptions and will not consider a person ‘at fault’ until an accusation has been investigated. All those involved in a report will be treated fairly and offered advice and support.
When a report is made about a student or staff member, there are procedures that will be followed. The reporting party may wish to speak to an adviser within Student Services or HR to discuss their options for informal or formal resolution.
If informal resolution is pursued then the reported person may be contacted by Student Services, HR, an appropriate manager, or tutor for the purposes of resolving the matter.
If the matter proceeds formally, the reported behaviour of a student will be investigated under the Student Disciplinary Procedure, and the reported behaviour of a member of staff will be investigated under the relevant staff procedure. View LSE Policies and Procedures for more information.
Students involved in a formal procedure will be offered appropriate support as they engage in the process, as well as personal support from the Student Wellbeing and Counselling Services. Student's can also ask access LSE Student's Union Advice Service.
Students involved in a formal process can bring a supporter (friend/relative/academic mentor/Student Union representative) along to meetings.
Staff can ask HR Partners for guidance on any formal process. Staff can acess personal support from Employee Assistance Programme or Staff Counselling.
Employees involved in a formal process can bring a supporter/ companion along to meetings. This may include a work colleague or Trade Union representative.