Everyone taking part in QMSU Club Sport has the right to a safe, respectful and enjoyable environment. If something isn't right, we want to hear about it.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999. On campus, contact Security on 020 7882 5000.
If you're struggling right now, call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night.
What you can raise with us
You don't need to be a club member to raise a concern. You can contact us if you're:
- Worried about yourself or someone else. We'll support you from a club and sport perspective. For individual support, please also contact QMUL's Wellbeing Service.
- Concerned about behaviour, an incident or club culture. This includes initiations, hazing, "club traditions", bullying, harassment and discrimination, whether in person, online or in group chats.
- Concerned about a committee member or a whole committee.
- Concerned about a coach, instructor or S&C staff member.
- Appealing a committee decision to refuse, suspend or remove your membership.
Committees must follow Bye-Laws 3.9–3.12 when making these decisions.
For discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or safety concerns, please also use QMUL's Report + Support, you can report anonymously there.
Raise a concern, complaint or appeal
Sorting things out informally
Some issues can be resolved by talking directly to the club or person involved, and we encourage that where it feels safe and appropriate. You never have to do this first, though. Informal resolution isn't suitable for serious matters such as violence, threatening or intimidating behavior, discrimination or sexual misconduct. It also isn't suitable if the concern is about the committee itself.
What to include
The form will guide you, but it helps to tell us:
- What happened, when and where, and any relevant context
- Who was involved (put "unknown" if you're not sure)
- Anything you've already tried to resolve it, and who you spoke to
- What outcome you'd like
If you're raising this on behalf of someone else, or as the main contact for a group, we'll communicate through you. You'll be expected to keep the others involved updated.
What happens next
- We aim to respond within 10 working days. Urgent welfare concerns are prioritised.
- We may ask to meet you. You can bring a friend or a representative from the QMSU Advice Service.
- Minor issues may be resolved informally, and we'll confirm the outcome in writing.
- Serious matters may be referred to QMSU's disciplinary procedure / QMUL. We'll explain the process and tell you if your information needs to be shared with the people investigating.
- We handle everything sensitively and share information only with those who need to know. If there is a risk to someone's safety, we may need to share it with other services.
If you're named in a concern
You'll be told what has been alleged, shown the relevant evidence and given a fair chance to respond before any decision is made.
If you're unhappy with the outcome
You have the right to appeal and request a review panel.
Our expectations
QMSU promotes a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. Bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence are not tolerated in any form, including online and on social media. All members and participants must:
- Treat others with courtesy, consideration and respect
- Uphold the Union's values of support, inclusivity and accessibility
- Respect others' lawful rights, freedom of belief and freedom of speech
- Use Union facilities and resources responsibly
- Follow all Union rules, regulations, policies and legal requirements
- Avoid actions that could damage the Union's reputation