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 
, 306kb) 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.
Who to contact
24/7
Campus Safety
+44 (0)1904 32 3333During office hours
Jill Ellis
Head of Student Support and Coordinated Services
+44 (0)7919 293179Jenny Underhill
Interim Deputy Head of Student Support and Coordinated Services
+44 (0)7919293246
Support for you
Dealing with the death of a student can be very distressing.
Please ensure you speak with your line manager and engage with the support available - see more information on how to get help now
The full protocol was approved at the January 2013 meeting of Student Experience Committee. It was updated with minor amendments in January 2025.