How to use Anonymous Messaging for anonymous reporting at the Turing
The anonymous messaging feature at the Turing is designed to make reporting incidents safer and more accessible for everyone, including staff, students, and visitors. Whether you’ve witnessed or experienced something troubling, this feature allows you to report it anonymously while still staying in touch with the Turing for support . Here’s a practical guide on how this feature works and how you can use it to ensure your voice is heard.
What is Anonymous Messaging?
Two-way messaging enables you to anonymously continue communicating with the Turing after you submit a report. This is especially useful if you want to ask questions or get additional support without revealing your identity. We can also discuss ways to make it more comfortable for you to come forward and get the support you want or need.
When you submit a report through the Turing’s Report + Support platform, you can opt into this feature by selecting the option during the reporting process. This will generate a 16-character code, which you must save to access the messaging system later. This code is the only way to continue your conversation with the Turing, so make sure to store it safely—there’s no way to recover it if it’s lost.
Why was this feature created?
The Turing implemented this feature to recognise some people may feel more comfortable reporting a concern anonymously and because it wants to hear all concerns. As well as wanting to be able to communicate about action taken with anonymous reporters where possible.
Many reporters prefer to stay anonymous for reasons such as:
- Fear of repercussions: You may be worried about how making a report could affect your career progress, job, or personal relationships.
- Safety concerns: In cases where coercive control or other sensitive issues are involved, maintaining anonymity can provide a layer of safety.
- Trust-building: Sometimes, people hesitate to report because they aren’t sure their concerns will be taken seriously. Two-way messaging allows you to monitor the Turing’s response while staying anonymous.
How to use Anonymous messaging at the Turing
Here’s how you can use the two-way messaging feature step by step:
- Submit a Report: Go to the Report + Support platform, which is available through Mathison (our intranet). You can choose to report either anonymously or with your contact details.
- Opt-in for two-way messaging: During the process, you’ll be asked if you want to opt into two-way messaging. Selecting “yes” will allow you to keep communicating with an advisor after submitting your report.
- Save your code: A 16-character code will be generated. This code is critical because it’s the only way for you to access the report and the messaging service later. Make sure to save it somewhere secure, like a notes app or document that only you can access.
- Log back in regularly: If you want to check on your report or continue the conversation, use your 16-character code to log back into the system. Here, you can view responses from the Turing and reply to any messages.
Will I have to share personal information?
No, you won’t be required to share any personal details if you choose to remain anonymous. The Turing will only know what you choose to tell them.
What happens if I lose my code?
If you lose your 16-character code, you will no longer be able to access the messaging service or the report. Unfortunately, there’s no way to recover the code, so it’s essential that you keep it in a secure place. If you misplace it, you’ll need to submit a new report if you wish to continue communicating with the Turing.
Why use Anonymous Messaging?
There are several benefits to using this feature:
- Get additional support: If you’re not sure how to move forward or need advice, two-way messaging lets you ask for guidance without revealing your identity.
- Continue the dialogue: If you provide more information later or have follow-up questions, this feature allows you to maintain communication while staying anonymous.
- Further support: Together with your adviser, you can discuss further support options to address the issue presented and find ways to make it more comfortable for you if you wish to make a report and disclose your personal details.
What can I expect after I submit a report?
Once you submit your report and opt into two-way messaging, here’s what you can expect:
- Timely responses: The Turing will monitor unread messages through their dashboard, ensuring that someone gets back to you as soon as possible. The Advisers reach out to any submissions within 5 working days.
- Action without direct involvement: Even if you remain anonymous, the Turing can still take steps based on the information you provide. For instance, if there’s a safety concern in a specific area, they may increase security or investigate further.
- Support and guidance: Whether you’re a student, staff member, or visitor, the Turing can offer advice tailored to your situation, helping you feel more empowered to navigate the issue.
Building trust through anonymity
At the Turing, we understand that trust can be hard to build, especially if you’ve had negative experiences in the past. The anonymous messaging feature is part of a broader effort to show that your reports are taken seriously. By maintaining an ongoing anonymous dialogue, the Turing hopes to rebuild trust and make it easier for people to come forward with their concerns, even when they don’t want to reveal their identity.
What happens when the Turing doesn’t know who you are?
It’s important to understand that remaining anonymous limits the Turing’s ability to fully investigate or resolve certain issues. There may be times when more information is needed, but the reporter doesn’t return to the system. While this can make it challenging to take direct action, the Turing can still take steps to address patterns of behaviour or broader safety concerns based on the reports they receive.
For example, if multiple anonymous reports mention the same location or individual, the Turing can take precautionary actions like increasing monitoring or offering additional training to relevant staff or departments. Even without knowing the identity of the reporter, this process helps keep the community safer.
Practical Considerations
Before you use the two-way messaging feature, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure to save your code: Without it, you won’t be able to continue the conversation.
- Timelines for responses: The Turing aims to respond to messages as quickly as possible, but depending on the nature of your report, there may be some delays.
- Confidentiality: While your anonymity is respected, be careful about any personal details you may inadvertently share in your messages. For example, if you provide your name or role, it might be possible for you to be identified.
Final thoughts..
The Anonymous Messaging feature is designed to empower students, staff, and visitors to report issues anonymously while still receiving support and updates. Whether you’ve witnessed inappropriate behaviour or are concerned about safety, you can now maintain a dialogue with the Turing without compromising your identity.
This feature ensures that your concerns are heard and addressed while providing a safe space for ongoing communication. If you’re considering making a report, take advantage of this tool to help you feel more secure in raising important issues. Your voice matters, and the Turing is here to listen.