Our Student Welfare Team are the first point of contact for any student who has experienced any form of discrimination, hate incident or sexual violence. Find out more about our specialist advisors.
Meet Lyle
My name is Lyle and I’m Head of Student Welfare and Pastoral Support here at Manchester Met. I manage and support the Student Welfare Team who will respond to the reports you submit on the Report and Support platform. Like my colleagues, I’m dedicated to ensuring we provide the best care and support to students who reach out to us. We do this by really listening to your concerns and helping you find the specialist support you need.
I've spent the last 15 years working in universities, always in roles supporting students. Before that, I was a social worker for 20 years. My experience has taught me the importance of being there for students and making sure everyone feels heard and supported.
Meet Rachel
Rachel from our Student Welfare Team
I'm Rachel, one of the Student Welfare Team Managers, and I've been at the University since 2014. As a trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officer, my primary focus is on gender-based violence, but I also support students dealing with safeguarding, domestic abuse, stalking, and hate crime concerns.
Before joining the University, I worked for a national charity called Victim Support, providing support and information to victims of crime. I specifically assisted those who had experienced sexual violence, domestic violence, and anti-social behaviour, offering emotional support and guidance on their rights when dealing with the police and courts.
My goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and approachable space for everyone in our student community. I want students to feel empowered, not defined or isolated by their experiences, and to make their own decisions about what happens next.
Meet Ian
Ian from our Student Welfare Team
I'm Ian, one of the Student Welfare Managers at Manchester Met. I joined the University in July 2022, and since March 2023, I've been part of the Student Welfare Team. I’m a qualified Sexual Violence Liaison Officer with Lime Culture, and I've also been trained in delivering domestic violence education.
In my role, I lead on hate crimes/incidents, bullying and harassment, student welfare in halls and purpose-built student accommodation, international student welfare, and developing the University’s harm reduction approach with peer guides. I also work closely with peer guides to build a strong sense of community and belonging for all students at Manchester Met.
Before my role here, I spent 24 years teaching in the 11-19 sector, focusing on developing teaching and learning strategies, pastoral care, and behaviour management systems.
I believe in empowering students to make informed choices and I am passionate about making sure our service is inclusive and approachable for everyone.
Meet Chloe
Chloe from our Student Welfare Team
I'm Chloe, a Student Welfare Advisor, and I've been part of the team since August 2023. Since joining the University, I've become a qualified Sexual Violence Liaison Officer with Lime Culture and earned a qualification in Developing and Delivering Domestic Violence Training with Tender.
Prior to my role at Manchester Met, I worked as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, supporting victims of high-risk domestic abuse through the criminal justice process, with housing, and helping them create a safety plan. I've also worked with charitable organisations, including NSPCC and a local Rape and Sexual Assault Centre.
The most important part of my job is helping students understand all their options, so they feel empowered to make informed choices. I'm passionate about making our service inclusive for all students, including students who identify as trans/non-binary, those engaged in sex work, and those with disabilities. I always discuss specialist services that offer support relevant to your identity to help you feel as safe as possible discussing your situation.
Meet Yolande
Yolande from our Student Welfare Team
My name is Yolande, I’m a Student Welfare Advisor and have been working at the University since 2021.
I work alongside Ian on hate incidents, bullying and harassment, student welfare in accommodation, international student welfare and I support other projects related to mental health and harm reduction.
Prior to this role, I worked as a Project Coordinator and Inclusive Communities Service Manager, planning and delivering a range of events to support international students and cultivating authentic spaces for students from ethnic minority backgrounds to share their experiences and explore a range of topics including mental health and wellbeing. I continue doing elements of this work by running regular events with peer guides for all students.
My experience working with students has reinforced the value of lending a listening ear. I believe one of the most important parts of my role is ensuring that you feel heard and supported as you consider your options and make decisions.