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Responding to a student death

The purpose of this protocol is to provide guidance to University staff who have to respond to the death of a student.

When the University is faced with the death of one of its students it is important that it is managed in a manner that is appropriate to the circumstances, supports the role of those with a statutory responsibility, is sensitive to the distress of those most closely involved and does not raise unnecessary distress or anxiety within the University community. 

What to do

If a body is discovered, it is imperative that you DO NOT touch or move anything other than to confirm death.

If you are on campus you should notify Campus Safety on +44 (0)1904 32 3333 (extension 3333) or via the Safezone app and they will then notify the police.

If you are off campus you should call the police on 999 then inform Campus Safety on +44 (0)1904 32 3333 or via the Safezone app.

The University has Guidance: what to do when a student dies (PDF , 370kb) and for further information on how you should respond to a student death, please refer to the Postvention Checklist.

Please be assured that you should not make contact or notify the student’s next of kin as this will be done via the police and / or the appropriate member of staff.

The full protocol was approved at the January 2013 meeting of Student Experience Committee. It was updated with minor amendments in January 2024.