How to use Anonymous 2 way Messaging for anonymous reporting at the University of Sussex
The anonymous messaging feature at the University of Sussex is designed to make reporting incidents safer and more accessible for everyone, including staff, students, and visitors. Whether you’ve witnessed or experienced something troubling, this feature allows you to report it anonymously while still staying in touch with the university for support, advice, and guidance. Here’s a practical guide on how this feature works and how you can use it to ensure your voice is heard.
What is Anonymous Messaging?
2 way messaging enables you to anonymously continue communicating with the university after you submit a report. This is especially useful if you want to ask questions or get additional support and advice without revealing your identity. We can also discuss ways to make it more comfortable for you to come forward and get the support you want or need.
When you submit an anonymous report through the University of Sussex’s Report + Support platform, you can opt into this feature by selecting the option during the reporting process. You will see this option on page 12. This will generate a 16-character code, which you must save to access the messaging system later. This code is the only way to continue your conversation with the university, so make sure to store it safely—there’s no way to recover it if it’s lost.
Why was this feature created?
The University of Sussex implemented this feature to respond to the growing need for anonymous communication. Many reporters prefer to stay anonymous for reasons such as:
- Fear of repercussions: You may be worried about how making a report could affect your academic progress, job, or personal relationships.
- Safety concerns: In cases where coercive control or other sensitive issues are involved, maintaining anonymity can provide a layer of safety.
- Trust-building: Sometimes, people hesitate to report because they aren’t sure their concerns will be taken seriously, or are worried their information will be taken out of their hands and control. 2 way messaging allows you to monitor the university’s response, and gather information, while staying anonymous.
How to use Anonymous messaging at the University of Sussex
Here’s how you can use the 2 way messaging feature step by step:
- Submit a Report: Go to the Report + Support platform on the University of Sussex website. You can choose to report either anonymously or with your contact details.
- If you choose to remain anonymous, during the process of making your report, you’ll be asked if you want to opt into 2 way messaging. Selecting “yes” will allow you to keep communicating with an advisor after submitting your report.
- Save your code: A 16-character code will be generated. This code is critical because it’s the only way for you to access the report and the messaging service later. Make sure to save it somewhere secure, like a notes app or document that only you can access.
- Log back in regularly: If you want to check on your report or continue the conversation, use your 16-character code to log back into the system. Here, you can view responses from the university and reply to any messages. (As you will not have submitted any identifying data there will be no way of notifying you if you have a new message, hence the onus is on you to check back in on a regular basis if you wish to continue the conversation.)
Will I have to share personal information?
No, you won’t be required to share any personal details if you choose to remain anonymous. The university will only know what you choose to tell them.
What happens if I lose my code?
If you lose your 16-character code, you will no longer be able to access the messaging service or the report. Unfortunately, there’s no way to recover the code, so it’s essential that you keep it in a secure place. If you misplace it, you’ll need to submit a new report if you wish to continue communicating with the university.
Why use Anonymous Messaging?
There are several benefits to using this feature:
- Get additional support: If you’re not sure how to move forward or need advice, 2 way messaging lets you ask for guidance without revealing your identity.
- Continue the dialogue: If you provide more information later or have follow-up questions, this feature allows you to maintain communication while staying anonymous.
- Further support: Together with your adviser, you can discuss further support options to address the issue presented and find ways to make it more comfortable for you if you wish to make a report and disclose your personal details.
What can I expect after I submit a report?
Once you submit your report and opt into 2 way messaging, here’s what you can expect:
- Timely responses: The university will monitor unread messages through their dashboard, ensuring that someone gets back to you as soon as possible. The Advisers aim to reach out to any submissions within 5 working days so please check back regularly.