Supporting our student community following the conclusion of the Reindorf Review

I know that it has been a difficult week, particularly for students who have been personally affected by the issues raised by the Reindorf Review, our trans and non-binary community and their allies.

The Vice-Chancellor has apologised, on behalf of the University, to students for the procedural and other failings that occurred in relation to the two events covered in the Review, and for the distress that this has caused.

I want to reassure you that we are committed to being a supportive and inclusive community for all our members. We will be taking a range of actions, working with you, to address the impact of these events on our whole community.

Support available

If you have been affected by the issues raised by the Review, there is a range of support available for you.

Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service

Our staff in the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service are available through a remote drop-in service via video or telephone appointment. You can request an appointment. Or, if you prefer, you can use Live Chat. You can also come to a dedicated drop-in on Tuesday 25 May, 12-1pm.

Validium

Our partner organisation, Validium, is offering a course of counselling to support students affected by the review. To access this support, you can speak to a member of the Wellbeing team or, if you prefer, you can call the 24-hour Wellbeing Student Support line on 0800 970 5020. The phone line is operated 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This is a completely confidential service and personal details will not be shared with the University. You can also ask for a counsellor by identity, for example, LGBTQ+.

Support available through our partners

Gendered Intelligence
Tel: 0330 3559 678
Email: supportline@genderedintelligence.co.uk

Outhouse East
Tel: 01206 871 394
Email: info@outhouseeast.org.uk

Our Students’ Union can also provide support, advice and guidance.

Next steps

The University’s Inclusion Champions met with the leadership of the LGBTQ+ student society this week. They listened to their feedback on behalf of our student community. As we take our next steps, there will also be many other opportunities for members of our student and staff LGBTQ+ community to meet with the relevant Inclusion Champions to discuss any issues or concerns they may have.

Alternatively, you can approach review@essex.ac.uk in confidence for signposting to support.

Richard Stock
Academic Registrar