University student duty of care debated in Westminster
#Forthe100 calls on universities to have a legal duty of care to students
Last updated 6th Jun 2023
A campaign to try and lower the number of students dying by suicide has been debated in Parliament.
The #ForThe100 campaign wants to make universities more accountable for student's wellbeing.
It's being supported by the family of 21-year-old University of Cambridge student Jared Ndisang, who was studying natural sciences.
Jared Ndisang began to develop problems with his mental health in his third year at Cambridge University when he was not given the chance to take a break from his studies.
His mother, Jo, said intermission, a break from studying, was unavailable to Jared and was told to graduate from his natural sciences course.
“Each student death is a valuable and vital learning opportunity for higher education leaders and it’s my belief we must insist on this learning,” she said.
“I was phoning Jared morning and night as it came up to his exams and that’s how I picked up on the fact Jared was not in a good place.”
Jared died in June 2019, with the coroner ruling he had suffered a “cardiac death of undetermined cause”.
The University of Cambridge said: "Jared is remembered as an active and caring member of our community and our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
"Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our students and we have recently launched a new Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan which includes swifter access to counselling, increased capacity in our support services and our Reach Out campaign to ensure students know where to find help.
"Like all universities we are exploring the best way to work with trusted contacts for each student. This process must strike a balance between protecting the privacy of our students and ensuring they have the right support.”
The #ForThe100 campaign calls for universities to have a legal duty of care to protect students from reasonably foreseeable harm.
It would bring them in line with schools and make them more accountable for students’ wellbeing.
The campaign was debated by MPs Monday (5th June) after an online petition gained more than 128,000 signatures.
Universities spokesperson says the duty of care would be the best way forward
Professor Steve West CBE, President of Universities UK, said:
“Universities prioritise the mental health of students and staff and are particularly focused on preventing student suicide. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and we are committed to working with bereaved families to learn from these deaths.
“Record numbers of children and young adults are now experiencing poor mental health and this is reflected in growing student need. Although universities are investing in student support and developing partnerships with NHS services, their primary role is as settings for adult learning not health care.
“We do not believe the proposed additional statutory duty of care, beyond the existing duties that already apply to universities, would be practical, proportionate, or the best approach to supporting students.
“We continue to work with the government, and its Student Support Champion Professor Edward Peck, on proposals to improve outcomes for students.”
Help available
If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can speak to your GP.
You can also find help and advice from these services:
Samaritans or call 116123
Mind or call 0300 123 3393
If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.