Student policies & guidelines
Staff guidelines
1. Introduction
These guidelines are intended to provide information and advice for any member of staff who becomes the first point of contact for a student experiencing mental health difficulties.
The context for these guidelines is defined by the 'Student
Mental Health Policy' available at: http://www.bath.ac.uk/studentservices/policy/mentalhealth.html.
This policy addresses the following issues in relation to student mental
health:
- information and advice
- examination arrangements and mitigating circumstances
- interruption of studies
- fitness to practice
- careers advice
In addition, the Guidelines for Crisis Intervention – students causing concern/students at risk available at: http://www.bath.ac.uk/studentservices/policy/crisis-intervention.html, provide information and advice on the following:
- emergencies
- on-going concern
- disruptive behaviour
- suspension of a student
- return to study
- data protection
- sources of advice
- key contacts
- support for staff
2. Establishing the right context
There can be no single set of procedures for responding to students experiencing mental health difficulties. There may be a reluctance to disclose information, issues around confidentiality or situations where concern for the well-being of the majority of students will have prime consideration over the needs of the individual.
It is important to engender an environment where:
- students feel able to disclose their condition in an appropriate manner and seek support
- staff are able to recognise that there may be a mental health difficulty explaining aspects of a students’ behaviour
- there are accessible sources of advice, support and referral
3. Recognising mental health difficulties
- Some students may experience distress or confusion due to relationships, a crisis or leaving home. Such difficulties may be short-term but will require a response
- Others may present with serious disturbances of emotions, behaviour and relationships. These may be long-standing but may have become intensified by current circumstances. They will need intensive help over a longer period
- A minority of students will have severe diagnosable mental conditions that affect aspects of their functioning. They may require medication, as well as other supportive help
4. Responding to concerns
It is important to recognise personal and professional limitations when offering support and to know where to refer to an appropriate service. See Student Mental Health Policy, Appendix 1, for further information.
That said, staff should try to:
- listen carefully and respectfully to what a student is trying to tell them
- offer support and treat each student as an individual
- help the student to find the appropriate support
- if in doubt, seek advice
5. Dealing with a crisis situation
5.1 When dealing with a crisis situation, try to remember the following:
- stay calm
- try to ensure your safety, and that of others including the student involved
- assess whether you need immediate support in dealing with the situation
- engage with the student, if appropriate
- be clear and direct in a non-threatening way
- ensure the appropriate people are contacted
- ensure that you have someone to talk to and support you after the event
5.2 In extreme circumstances, i.e: if you consider a student to be at risk of harming themselves or others, proceed as follows:
- contact a doctor at the Medical Centre on Ext.6655 (office hours ) or 01255 386655 (24 hours)
- contact the Security Office on ext 666 stating: “ This is an emergency”. In both cases give a name, phone extension/mobile number and exact location
5.3 In the case of a violent or potentially violent situation, remain as calm as possible and:
- contact the Emergency services on 999 and also contact the Security Office on Ext.666 stating: “ This is an emergency “
Give a name, phone extension/mobile number and exact location.
5.4 Diffusing violent situations
- the best way to diffuse a violent situation is to prevent its development. If you feel worried or uncomfortable about an individual, trust your instincts. Do not meet him or her alone. At least arrange an appointment when other people are in the area. Make sure someone knows where you are. It is advisable to have a telephone nearby or to take a mobile phone
- listen carefully and fully to what the individual has to say, but do not stare directly at him or her for any period. Try to encourage the person to obtain appropriate professional help. If possible, have to hand some specific names, addresses and telephone numbers
- if the individual becomes increasingly distressed and/or aggressive, try to remain as calm as possible and simply talk. Sometimes just a continual soothing flow of conversation will distract from his or her train of thought and reduce the tension. However, if things continue to escalate and you feel that either you or others are in immediate danger, you must extricate yourself from the situation, without retaliation if at all possible, and call for immediate help
5.5 Consultation
- Once the crisis has passed, it is normal to experience strong feelings about what has happened and also to wonder if things could have been avoided or handled differently. Probably they could not have been
- Try not to take the worry home with you. Discuss what has happened with someone you trust such as a colleague or member of staff from the Medical Centre, Student Health & Well Being or with your own doctor
6. If a student refuses help
- if a student is not ready to accept help respect the right of the student and do not ask insensitive or intrusive questions. Offer an open invitation to the student to come back and talk to you in the future
- if you remain concerned discuss the situation with the relevant student support service and make a note of your discussion
- if the student’s behaviour gives cause for concern and is seriously
disrupting other students it is advisable to let them know that their
behaviour is unacceptable and will be reported to the relevant department
or member of staff
(also see Disciplinary Procedures Section 8 ) - if a student appears seriously mentally ill and is declining help there are provisions for considering enforcement of treatment ( see 5.3.)
7. Boundaries and Confidentiality
- as a general principle, if the student refuses or does not give consent, information cannot be shared
- in exceptional circumstances, where a student is in danger of harming him/herself or others, there is a legal requirement to disclose information
- in either situation staff should also ensure they have access to consultation and support
- a situation may be discussed with a line manager or member of the support services staff without disclosing the identity of the student
- the minimum amount of information should be disclosed
- an agreement should be reached as to what action should be taken and by whom
8. Disciplinary procedures
- a small number of students with mental health difficulties can cause disruption which may require formal action to be considered
- it is appropriate to consider the support needs of the individual who has a mental health difficulty. The student should be given the opportunity to discuss his/her worries and support needs with a member of the University staff such as his/her Personal Tutor, Resident Tutor or member of the Student Support services
- the student should be made aware of how his/her behaviour is affecting others and agreement sought with the student to change this
- the student may need to be reminded of his/her right to advocacy and to seek information from the Students’ Union AWARE centre
- it should be made clear that unless their behaviour changes, disciplinary action may be taken. This action should only be taken when it is vital to stop disruption to others and/or if there is any threat to the safety of the student or others. See Section 9 ‘ Regulations for Students’ for further details
- staff undertaking disciplinary procedures should, in cases of mental health difficulty, receive advice from appropriate personnel regarding disciplinary action to be taken
9. Training and development
Given the wide range of contexts within which staff may come into contact with students with mental health difficulties, a whole-institution approach to staff development is required.
The University is working towards:
- promoting positive attitudes to mental health
- raising staff awareness of relevant issues
- providing comprehensive information on sources of support
Therefore, as a member of staff it is essential that:
- you identify and attend relevant staff development sessions
- you encourage those for whom you are responsible to attend relevant staff development sessions
Liz Davies
Head of Counselling
26 January 2004