2022

University College Cork Launches Speak Out Anonymous Reporting Tool

8 Feb 2022

A new online tool that will allow students and staff to anonymously report incidents of bullying, cyber bullying, harassment, discrimination, coercive behaviour or control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape has been launched today in University College Cork (UCC).

The tool, entitled Speak Out, is a national initiative, led by the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland (PCHEI) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is funding it. The Speak Out tool is currently available in 17 other higher education institutions across Ireland.

The Speak Out website - www.ucc.ie/speakout - will provide bespoke signposting to relevant supports, both within and without UCC.

UCC President Professor John O’Halloran welcomed the launch: “Here at University College Cork, we want to ensure a campus culture of dignity and respect is fostered and maintained. We have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination or any form of misconduct. We want to ensure our university is a safe, inclusive and welcoming place, where everyone feels they belong."

Dr Avril Hutch, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion stated: “The Speak Out tool will allow UCC to understand staff and students to report all forms of misconduct and unacceptable behaviour. This trauma informed tool is completely anonymous. The information gathered will be used to help inform policy and education and training initiatives across the university. Most importantly, it will raise awareness of the supports available to students and staff and encourage them to seek help if they need it.

Asha Woodhouse, Student Union President said: ''The Speak Out Tool is an incredibly important initiative. Not only will it allow students and staff to disclose experiences of misconduct and unacceptable behavior through a safe and anonymous platform, but it will also inform how we as an institution can develop a trauma-informed and zero-tolerance approach to such misconduct and unacceptable behaviors. The rollout of this tool across higher education institutions across the country reflects a national recognition that misconduct and unacceptable behaviors can and must be tackled within our HEIs. Data collected through the Speak Out Tool will play a pivotal role in the development of policy and targeted educational initiatives both at a local and national level.''

University College Cork

Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh

College Road, Cork T12 K8AF

Top