Club and Society Concerns
Club and Society Concerns
SUSU’s clubs and societies are a very important part of University life, providing the opportunity to meet new people and try new activities. Clubs and societies need to be safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces and new committees are trained by SUSU when they start to make sure that is the case.
We know that unfortunately sometimes committees allow or even facilitate behaviour which is not in line with SUSU’s values or expectations. If we are made aware of any concerns, we will take these seriously and SUSU staff will investigate. Committees or individual members may then be required to attend a Student Disciplinary Panel who have the power to impose a wide range of sanctions.
You can report any concerns anonymously using the form here: Clubs and Societies Reporting Form. You need to be logged in with your student email to use the form but the only people who will know your identity are senior members of staff at SUSU. Your details will not be shared with the club or society without your consent.
Below you can find ways to report an incident that has taken place, and you can find support services on our Support page.
We make it clearly known that certain behaviours are unacceptable within clubs and societies, this includes any form of initiation, bullying or harassment. We also encourage clubs and societies to think about how they could make activity more inclusive.
We recognise that sometimes things happen that are inappropriate and which go against our values. We also appreciate that it can be difficult for people to come forward with complaints in this area and have therefore created a reporting form. We will investigate all submissions in line with the SUSU Rules. Your details will never be shared with the offending club or society without your consent.
If an incident within your club or society occurs, it is essential that you inform SUSU. We can advise on how to follow the SUSU Incident Procedure. We ask that following any incident you complete our online incident report form as soon as possible.
Together with the University, we are standing against all forms of bullying and harassment. The University’s Report and Support tool provides a secure environment for those affected by harassment & bullying to speak out about unacceptable behaviour and to get support, or to find out how you can support someone you know who may have experienced harassment or bullying.
At SUSU our values are:
We are Responsible: We are accountable for our decisions; We stand up for others and challenge unfairness; We recognise the importance of the climate crisis and constantly try to become more environmentally sustainable in all our practices.
We create Community: We create opportunities for all students to feel part of a wider community; We make sure our spaces and activities make all Students feel they belong here; We work to help all students feel safe, able to express themselves and participate fully
We are Supportive: We will always be here for students, ready to help when necessary; We empower students to develop skills, find solutions and make change; We make sure the student voice is heard in all areas that affect the student experience
SUSU Disciplinary Committee Outcomes
SUSU’s Disciplinary Committee is responsible for taking action where breaches of good order occur. According to our Rules the outcome of hearings shall be published on our website. The identity of the respondent, witnesses and complainants will be removed, although if the respondent is an affiliated club or society the identity of the group will be published.
Rugby (Men’s), SURFC - January 2023
Case: Rugby (Men’s), SURFC – January 2023
Charge: Charges relating to Section 4.2(b) of rule 9 of the Union– conduct detrimental to the reputation of the Union. The complaint related to two reported incidents of bullying, harassment, and violent conduct from SURFC members.
Disciplinary Committee Hearing: The student panel concluded that the culture of the club has allowed student safety to be compromised. The panel noted the culture of bullying and harassment is systemic in the club. The panel agreed that the charges against the club showed behaviour detrimental to the reputation of both SUSU and the University of Southampton.
Penalties:
- Named committee members to be removed from committee for the rest of 2022-23.
- No SURFC attendance or representation at Varsity 2023.
- Ban from organisation of a Tour for 1 year.
- No SURFC attendance at AU Ball 22/23.
SURFC to create an Action Plan and evidenced standards of improvement with regards to behaviour and welfare before the end of Spring Term 2023.
Whilst these penalties may be viewed as harsh, they are designed to address the serious concerns that emerged during the investigation and are not designed to impede the Clubs ability to play Rugby.
Montefiore Exiles RFC – April 2026
Case: Montefiore Exiles RFC – April 2026
Charge: Charges relating to Rule 7 of the Union Rules – Behaviour that may bring SUSU into disrepute
- Major or repeated breach of SUSU’s values
- Major, deliberate damage to union property
- Significant anti-social (including abusive, threatening or indecent) behaviour
- Possession or consumption of illicit alcohol in breach of SUSU licensing
- Behaviour causing reputational damage
Disciplinary Committee Hearing: The panel acknowledged that, during the hearing and in their response to the investigator’s report, the club’s committee had expressed regret regarding their actions. They accepted the committee’s reasoning that a full suspension of 12 months, or a removal of the club from the IM league for the 26/27 academic year, would unfairly impact students who did not participate in the event.
The panel felt that in order to move forward, the club needed a significant pause and refresh. Changing only the committee, or imposing only short-term sanctions, would not give the club the necessary space to reset, and learn from the incident.
It was judged that the committee had been negligent in putting the club into the situation, therefore the committee needed to change. However, several non-committee members of the club took part in the activity, so the sanction should not be limited to just the committee.
Sanctions:
- The club will be suspended until teaching starts in September (lifted from 21.09.2026). This will mean the club cannot take part the following:
- Varsity 2026
- Team Southampton Awards 2026
- Freshers Week 2026
- The current committee will be removed and barred from running for committee for 12 months (lifted from 28.04.2027).
- SUSU will support the running of an Extraordinary General Meeting before the end of the 25/26 academic year to elect a new committee for the 26/27 academic year.
- Upon lifting the full suspension, the club will be permitted to join the Intra Mural league, to practise and to play matches. However, they will be banned from holding socials for the first semester of 2026-27 (lifted from 18.01.2027).
