Safeguarding
Welcome
"Wiltshire College & University Centre holds the protection, safety, health, wellbeing and welfare of all of its students as paramount” - Ofsted
We are committed to supporting every student to thrive during their high education journey. As part of our commitment to delivering high quality experiences and outcomes, we ensure that you are fully supported academically, personally, and professionally throughout your time with us, and this page provides a comprehensive source of information.
We take a holistic, student-centred approach that ensures you are supported throughout your journey with us. This aligns to our core values of inclusivity, respect, ambition and excellence.
We believe that all our students have a right to protection from abuse and to the support they need to reach their full potential.
Your wellbeing and personal development are just as important as your academic achievements. We foster an inclusive and caring environment where every student feels supported and safe.
- Mental health and wellbeing services with trained professionals offering counselling, wellbeing sessions, and referrals to specialist services.
- Safeguarding and pastoral support through a proactive and accessible team who work in partnership with academic staff and external agencies.
- Embedding student voice through surveys, HE Student Governor, SSLC committee meetings and focus groups.
- Celebrating diversity through inclusive events and respectful spaces where all are welcomed.
External agencies
Swindon & Wiltshire Sexual Assult Referral Centre (SARC)
The Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) supports victims of rape or sexual assault throughout Swindon and Wiltshire, whether they are men, women or children.
Victim Support Wiltshire
Emotional and practical help to people who have been affected by crime in Wiltshire.
NHS: Help After Rape and Sexual Assault
Practical information for victims who have experienced rape or sexual assault
Shore: Against Child Sexual Abuse
Shore was launched in 2023 to provide a safe and anonymous place for young people to get help and support. The aim of this website is to prevent harmful sexual behaviours among young people.
You will find out about the support in place through your induction. However, if you would like further detail please speak to your Programme Leader, a member of the Safeguarding team or email: safe@wiltshire.ac.uk.
If you have any concerns about yourself, your friends or other students in terms of safeguarding, radicalisation or exploitation report this to any member of staff or directly to the safeguarding team.
Safeguarding contacts
Definitions
Harassment
Harassment is unwanted conduct that offends, humiliates, intimidates, or creates a hostile environment for a person, based on characteristics such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other protected attributes.
Types of Harassment include:
- Verbal: Insults, slurs, or offensive jokes.
- Physical: Unwanted touching, blocking movement, or threatening gestures.
- Visual: Displaying offensive images, gestures, or symbols.
- Digital/Cyber: Sending harassing messages or images via email, text, or social media.
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct refers to a broad range of inappropriate, unwelcome, or non-consensual sexual behaviour, which may include actions that violate legal or institutional rules, regardless of criminal classification.
Examples include:
- Sexual harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, comments, or jokes.
- Sexual assault: Non-consensual sexual contact or penetration.
- Sexual exploitation: Taking sexual advantage of another without consent (e.g., recording without permission).
- Unwelcome sexual attention: Persistent, inappropriate behaviours that make others uncomfortable.
Wiltshire College & University Centre takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse and will take action against any student or staff member who is deemed to have breached our positive behaviour policy or our staff code of conduct procedure.
Additional links
Student Policies and Procedures
Staff Policies and Procedures
Code of Conduct
Customer Feedback
How to report an incident
All students, staff and visitors to our campus can report an incident in any of the following ways:
- You can report an incident to any member of WCUC staff or email the safeguarding team on safe@wiltshire.ac.uk.
- If you find yourself in an emergency on campus, please call a member of the safeguarding team or notify a Security Guard.
- Report to Wiltshire Police, or by calling 101 from any phone. If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.