What happens to my information?
For applicants
Each university will normally run a data report which shows which students have disclosed which conditions in the "Disability/Special Needs section" on their application form. They will then get in contact with you to ask you more about your support requirements.
Current students
On receipt of your registration form, or after attending a drop in, you may be offered an assessment, or "triaging" appointment to ensure your speak to the right person. Depending on the information provided in any initial contact or registration form, you may hear directly from a specialist team.
All students
For students disclosing a mental health condition, your first appointment may include a mental health and wellbeing assessment. Most UMHAN members will ask a series of questions, and may use screening tools to help them understand your individual circumstances. This will include questions about symptoms, timeframe, existing support network, and your information sharing preferences.
They will also ask about any suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of harming yourself or others. Sharing these very personal thoughts can be difficult, but please be reassured that it is extremely rare that this would lead to your information being shared more widely. We encourage you to ask questions about any concerns you have during your appointment.
Initial contact also provides an opportunity to discuss any issues, concerns, anticipated course and/or support requirements in more detail. This might include asking you about any special exam provisions you have received in the past, such as sitting in a separate room.
Staff will also be able to provide details of other support resources available within the university, nationally and in the local area: for example, how to register with a GP, referrals to community mental health teams and voluntary sector services, peer support, availability of other specialist support workers and any funding for this support, such as Disabled Students' Allowances.
A support plan is usually drawn up, which you will be given a copy of, and which will be forwarded to any other relevant staff.
Data Protection and the Equality Act
A mental health disclosure is deemed to be sensitive personal information under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR 2018) and must be treated accordingly. Generally speaking, the information you provide will only be shared with people who need to know, at the time you are disclosing, unless there is risk to life.
You have a right for your information to be protected.
If you do disclose a mental health condition, the Equality Act (incorporating the Disability Discrimination Act) means that it would in fact be unlawful for anyone employed by the University to discriminate against you, and University staff will follow the General Data Protection Regulation to ensure the information you provide is processed appropriately and sensitively.
Universities should also be clear with you about what they are doing with any information you share and where this is being stored. You can ask them for this information if it's not obvious - it's a very common concern and they won't mind.
