Trusted contacts

What is a trusted contact?

A trusted contact is someone we can contact if there are serious concerns about your health or wellbeing.

They may need to work with us and statutory or emergency services to act in your best interests, for example with the health services if you become unwell.

Who can be a trusted contact?

Your trusted contact can be:

• the same person as your next of kin, for example a parent or family member
• a nominated person, such as a close friend

Whoever you choose, they need to be:

• over 18
• trusted to handle sensitive information about you
• able to support you and act in your best interests if required
• made aware that you have nominated them and what this may entail

In what circumstances would the University talk to my trusted contact?

You have the right to keep your sensitive personal information confidential. This may not apply if withholding information creates or increases the risk of serious or lasting harm to you or another person.

Sharing information with consent

We’ll always try to seek your consent before sharing information with a trusted contact. This could involve:

• one-off consent
• an agreement to share information with certain parties to support your ongoing needs. We’ll regularly review this agreement and you can withdraw your consent at any time.

Sharing information without consent

In exceptional circumstances, and only where there is a serious concern for your welfare, we may share information with your trusted contact without your consent. A qualified, trained member of staff in Student Services will complete a risk assessment before we share any information.

How do I nominate a trusted contact?

You’ll be asked to nominate an emergency or trusted contact when you enrol online. It’s important to keep this information up-to-date. 

You can also login to the system throughout the year if you need to update your contact information.