Date: 7th August 2024

Introduction 

Some street disorder and rioting has taking place across the UK in recent weeks. These have been concentrated incidents in city centres, and in sites linked to asylum processing, and have been controlled by Police with virtually no reported incidents of members of the public being injured. 

This sort of action is rare in the UK and most of the incidents have involved small numbers of people, but the recent spike is likely to cause concern, particularly among international students, and this note provides some guidance on how members of the National Codes can respond. 

Guidance for Students 

The personal safety of students is of utmost importance, and National Code members may wish to reach out to their tenants, providing reassurance and offering support to anybody with questions or concerns. It is natural to feel very concerned about events of this kind, particularly international students or those from minoritised ethnic backgrounds who may feel the threat more acutely, and members should reach out with care and concern, but also provide links to suitable sources of support such as the students’ union or student support services within your relevant Universities. 

Advise tenants to take the typical practical steps around personal safety. If they do occur locally, advise students not to be tempted to attend protests or riots to oppose them or spectate. If a student is affected by racist or discriminatory activity, they should report this to their local Police or online https://www.gov.uk/report-hate-crime  

Guidance for Buildings 

PBSA buildings are typically very secure with access control limited just to tenants and security measures in place, and members should check that all measures are operating as intended. If staff or students see anything of concern, it should be reported to the Police immediately.  

Now would be a good time for members to revisit Emergency and Disaster Plans and remind staff teams of the operational procedures they contain. 

Summary 

Whilst worrying, evidence to date is that these incidents involve a very small minority intent on causing upset, and there is very little threat or likelihood of injury to the general public including students. However, it is sensible to exercise caution. Members of the National Code should offer support and care, and link their tenants to resources that may be available within their respective Universities and Student’s Unions. 

The National Code will continue to monitor the situation and issue further guidance as necessary.