Students have alleged that they feel let down by Cardiff University’s reporting process after raising complaints related to sexual assault and sexual misconduct. Cardiff University states in its 2025 policy that it takes a ‘zero-tolerance approach’ to inappropriate sexual behaviour, including ‘violence, grooming, misconduct and harassment’. However, students interviewed by Gair Rhydd alleged that their experiences of the University’s reporting processes raised concerns around delays, communication and the use of interim measures while cases are ongoing.
Though several students described positive experiences with individual staff members and support teams; the concerns raised relate to the wider misconduct process. An issue repeatedly raised by whistleblowers is the length of the University reporting process. One student described assisting with a police misconduct report and said that, within approximately two weeks, evidence had been gathered and next steps had been outlined; this included implementing a no-contact order.
They described being “pushed around” between different student services for several weeks before making any progress on the report. They claimed that the relationship between the Students’ Union and the University appeared unclear in how such cases were handled. They felt the University was “working around me, rather than with me”.
Another student told Gair Rhydd that, aside from the implementation of a behavioural agreement within the first weeks following their report, there had been little progress on their case. The report is yet to reach a conclusion after eight months in the system. “It feels like the university has just pushed [my] case aside. I feel disappointed and defeated” they said.
It feels like the university has just pushed [my] case aside. I feel disappointed and defeated
A number of students have questioned the ‘behavioural agreements’ reached post-complaint. Based on accounts, these agreements are described as ‘measures introduced after a case is submitted, placing certain restrictions on the subject. Students shared that these restrictions could include limited access to specific buildings, spaces and societies.
After revising the University’s Student Conduct Procedure and seeking further clarification, Gair Rhydd has been unable to identify a publicly available description of this process beyond student accounts. Another whistleblower alleged that although restrictions were applied to the subject in their case, the consequences of breaching the agreement were unclear. They also claimed that, due to the confidential nature of the agreement, members of a society committee were not formally informed of the agreement.
They said that they believed this limited enforcement. The whistleblower took it upon themselves to inform the relevant well-being officer about the agreement, and were later informed by the University that committee officers “should not know”. They said they were left feeling responsible for monitoring and reporting any breaches of the terms themselves.
One of the most alarming cases brought to Gair Rhydd alleged that an individual who had been reported for misconduct was still able to run for Student Senate, while a case against them remained ongoing. According to the whistleblower, the Students’ Union informed them that action could not be taken against the subject until the case was concluded. Several whistleblowers with active cases raised concerns regarding graduation; with one student reporting that their main concern was receiving reassurance that the person they had reported would not attend their graduation ceremony, while another said they had “all but given up” on pursuing their case.
Cardiff University was contacted for comment, a spokesperson said: “We are unable to comment on anonymous, ongoing, or individual cases. However, we are very sorry to hear of these concerns. All complaints are taken seriously, and we encourage any student with such concerns to report them formally to the University so they can be investigated and appropriate action taken.”