Sharing a Student Group Concern
We want every Student Group to have a culture that feels safe, welcoming and inclusive for all members.
To help with that, we’re offering this anonymous space so you can start open, honest conversations about how your group can build and maintain a positive culture for everyone.
What can I report here?
This is a space to share concerns about student groups, so our team can be aware and support the involved group to make changes. Please share as much detail as you can to help us support the group.
This form is for anonymous concern reporting - If you would like support and updates during a full investigation of this concern, please use our complaints process or contact BristolSU-development@bristol.ac.uk for guidance.
Are you making a disclosure? By 'disclosure', we mean something which has been affecting you which you may not have shared before, and you'd like support with. We want to make sure you share this with those who can help you - if you are at risk of immediate harm, please call 999 or contact the University Wellbeing Services who will be able to support you. You can book an appointment with a Wellbeing Advisor or use the 24 hour phoneline.
Unsure what process to follow?
Complaints
If you have a serious concern or believe the Code of Conduct has been breached, or you’d like to raise a complaint about an individual, please use our Complaints Process. This ensures we can support both you and the person involved while we investigate. The complaints process also covers safeguarding concerns and requests for mediation.
If you’re unsure whether this applies, get in touch with us where we’ll help guide you through the correct process.
Student Group concerns
If your concern relates to a student group rather than an individual, and is about the group’s practice or culture, this is the right process for you.
- You can remain anonymous.
- You don’t need wellbeing support.
- You’re letting us know so we can have a conversation with the group and respond appropriately.
Accidents and Incidents
Accidents happen and here’s what to do if one occurs during a group activity:
- Report it immediately to the relevant officials (e.g. venue staff, event organisers).
- Then, let the Student Services Team know within 24 hours (or as soon as possible) using the form below.
Find full details on this page and if you’re still unsure, get in touch with us.
Complaint
- Serious incident or concern
- About an individual or group
- You would like mediation
- You would like your complaint to be investigated and receive updates and support
- Safeguarding concern
Concern
- About a student group, not individuals
- About the practice or culture of a student group
- You wish to remain anonymous and don't need wellbeing support
- You'd just like to make us aware so we can have a conversation with the group/respond appropriately
What happens once I've submitted a concern?
Once you have sent your concern, the outcome will depend on what has been shared; our team will aim to read it and decide next steps within 10 days, which could involve:
- A meeting with relevant committee members
- A meeting with the full committee
- The development or refinement of training and materials
If there are any positive changed agreed with the group, we will ensure these are included in the handover to the incoming committee next year. Where appropriate we may work with incoming committees to support them in this.
Concern submitted
E.g. Group feels alcohol centric
SU team respond
E.g. meet with committee about why members might feel this way
Concern discussed and next steps agreed with group
Agree changes e.g. Add sober socials & reps, share SU resources
Embed inclusion
SU team include follow-up plan in group handover
What is 'Positive Culture'
When we talk about a group’s culture, we mean what feels normal in that group. This includes the behaviours, attitudes, and atmosphere that shape members’ experiences.
A positive culture is one where everyone feels welcome, respected, and safe. It’s about creating an environment that supports wellbeing and inclusion. Examples of positive culture include:
- A supportive and respectful environment, where students can be themselves
- Group actively welcomes new members regardless of identity or ability level and integrates them into the group
- Regular and varied non alcoholic socials
- Group feels safe, fun and accountable
- Good communication; members feel 'in the loop'
- Strong sense of community
- Group welcomes and takes on board feedback
- Different ways to get involved, free of peer pressure
Why does positive culture matter for complaints and concerns?
When concerns arise about a group’s culture or practices, it often means something is impacting that positive environment. Raising these concerns helps us work with the group to improve inclusivity, safety, and wellbeing for everyone.
How do we support groups to build positive culture?
We’re committed to helping every student group create an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment. Here’s how we support you:
Training for Leaders
We run sessions on key topics such as managing conflict, welcoming new members, running inclusive events, and boosting group wellbeing.
Bystander Training
Offered monthly for leaders and members; this empowers you to challenge unacceptable behaviour and promote respect.
One-to-One Support
Student leaders can email us or book a meeting anytime for tailored advice and guidance.
Dedicated Roles
Every group must have an Equality Officer and a Wellbeing Champion to lead on inclusion and wellbeing.
Practical Resources
Our website includes guidance and templates for wellbeing and equality action plans.
Recognition and Accreditation
Our accreditation scheme celebrates groups that embed wellbeing, democracy, feedback, and inclusion.
Sharing Best Practice
We highlight positive examples through Group of the Month, newsletters, and social media.
Get in touch with the Bristol SU Development Team
Send us an emailArrange a meeting with the Development team
