I have been accused of something
It can be very distressing if you have been accused of a harmful behaviour. The University will not make assumptions on the relative merits of a complaint. No party will be considered ‘at fault’ until a complaint has been investigated. All those involved in a complaint will be treated fairly and offered advice and support.
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 offended another person, and this may be thought of as an opportunity for learning, or perhaps for a change of approach.
You may find it helpful to read about the behaviour you have been accused of, you can do this by seeing the “incidents and behaviours” support article.
Steps you can take if you have been accused of misconduct include:
- Try to stay calm - It is important to react appropriately even if you believe the accusation is false. Let the investigation take its course and do not contact the person who has accused you.
- Talk to someone you trust - It is important for you not to feel alone through the process so consider sharing with a friend, a family member, or a trusted colleague. Remember to keep any details confidential, this is important for you and the person who has reported the behaviour. Students can also reach out to the BCU Mental Health and Wellbeing team for support, staff can use the Employee Assistance Programme for support.
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 may wish to access advice and support to understand the complaint. It may be appropriate to seek legal advice from an independent source if you have been contacted by the police. Students can contact BCU Student Union advice team for support with the University Complaints process.