Death in the university community

News of a death can reach the University in different ways, these include word of mouth, social media, news media or formal contact from the next of kin. In some circumstances colleagues or peers may have been with an individual at the time of their death. As soon as we learn of a death a co-ordination team is convened on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor. This team includes a mix of staff to provide practical and pastoral support. As part of this process a single point of contact will be identified for the next of kin or someone they identify as an alternative.

If you have been made aware of the death of a member of the University of Wolverhampton community then you should in the first instance notify the relevant Faculty or Department (line manager in the case of staff), however if you are not sure who to contact then please notify: safeguarding@wlv.ac.uk

In this world of rapidly moving social media it is important for us to establish the accuracy of stories circulating online. We need to be sure that informal reports are accurate and seek the permission of the next of kin before we publicly announce the sad news of a death.

You may have learned about a person’s death and be confused about why the University has not made a statement. As soon as we learn of a death, or a rumour of a death, a co-ordinating team will have been working privately to support those within the University of Wolverhampton we know to be affected. However, we are unable to make a public statement until we have the consent of the next of kin. Tributes and details of memorials may be circulating informally or on social media but as a university we must wait to be certain that anything we say meets the expectations of the next of kin.

If you become aware of a death of a colleague, student or alumnus, please let your tutor, line manager or relevant person know about it. If the death or circumstances are not fully established staff should not make a statement on university-linked social media; please exercise discretion on your personal social media. If you are approached by the press for comments, please talk to your line manager and contact the University’s content and communications team via: comms@wlv.ac.uk for guidance before commenting.

We understand the need to commemorate those we have been close to. Requests for memorial services or gatherings, which are usually suitable for all faiths and none, should be directed to the Chaplaincy. On the Chaplaincy webpages you can request that a candle is lit in the Chaplaincy quiet room in memory of the person who has died or for any other reason.

We know you will want to be as sensitive and understanding as possible in difficult circumstances and but please mindful of your own emotional capabilities. The University’s Chaplaincy and Mental Health and Wellbeing teams can provide support for groups, such as student cohorts and staff teams. You may also find it helpful to share this page, or simply the links for individual support with a wider group. Your Faculty or Directorate will be represented on the co-ordination team convened for each death, and your representative will be able to cascade information around the support available as appropriate.

The following pages contain resources for all occasions where you may feel in need of mental health support, including, but not limited to, bereavement:

Students

• Mental health and wellbeing advice
• Mental health self-help resources

Staff

• Employee health and wellbeing support