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Enhancing Public Accountability: Key Elements of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2025
Kirsty Cook
We act for students in respect of investigations and related matters. One of the factors that organisations often overlook is the effect the pressure of education, let alone disciplinary issues, have on individuals. Recent cases have highlighted a call for action to ensure the mental wellbeing of students is appropriately safeguarded.
Recent tragedies amongst the student cohort have shed light on the critical need for improved mental health support for students. The deaths of Matthew Wickes from Southampton University and Natasha Abrahart from Bristol University underscore the profound impact of academic pressures on student well-being.
Coroner's Warning and Concerns
Christopher Wilkinson, the senior area coroner for Hampshire, Portsmouth, and Southampton, issued a stern warning to Southampton University following the tragic death of Matthew Wickes. Wilkinson highlighted concerns regarding the awareness, understanding, and curiosity of academic staff regarding student mental health. He emphasized the profound impact of interruptions to academic life during and after the pandemic, noting their significant contribution to mental health struggles among students.
Insufficient Support and Criticisms
The shortcomings in mental health support within universities have come under intense scrutiny in recent years. Bristol University faced criticism and was ordered to pay damages to the parents of Natasha Abrahart, who tragically took her own life amid the pressures of academia. Similarly, the University of Exeter faced strong criticism over the suicide of Harry Armstrong Evans, with the coroner noting failures in responding effectively to his cries for help.
In response to these tragedies, universities must take proactive measures to address the gaps in mental health support for students. While Southampton University claimed to offer training on mental health management for all staff, concerns were raised about the lack of compulsion for academic staff to undergo such training. It is crucial for universities to ensure that mental health training is mandatory for all relevant staff members, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to support students effectively.
Creating a Culture of Support
Beyond mandatory training, universities must foster a culture of support that prioritizes student well-being. This includes destigmatizing mental illness, promoting open conversations about mental health, and providing accessible resources for students in need. By actively engaging with students and soliciting feedback, universities can tailor their support services to better meet the diverse needs of their student body.
Addressing the complex challenges surrounding student mental health requires collaborative efforts from universities, students, and mental health professionals. It is essential for universities to listen to the concerns raised by coroners, implement their recommendations, and hold themselves accountable for the well-being of their students. By working together, we can create safer and more supportive environments where students can thrive academically and emotionally.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of Matthew Wickes, Natasha Abrahart, and others serve as stark reminders for the urgent need for enhanced mental health support within universities. As coroners issue warnings and universities face scrutiny, it is imperative to take decisive action to prevent future tragedies. By prioritizing mental health training for staff, fostering a culture of support, and collaborating with students and mental health professionals, universities can create environments where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Further Information
If you have any questions regarding this blog, please contact Shannett Thompson and Antonia Szapary in our Regulatory team.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Shan is a Partner in the Regulatory Team and is the firm’s Training Principal. She trained in the NHS and commenced her career exclusively defending doctors. She provides regulatory advice predominantly in the health and social care and education sectors.
Antonia is a Trainee Solicitor and is completing her first seat with the Regulatory Team.
We welcome views and opinions about the issues raised in this blog. Should you require specific advice in relation to personal circumstances, please use the form on the contact page.
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