Today, on Oct 29th, 2026, the Speak Out National Office launched the Speak Out National Report (1 September 2024 – 31 August 2025) at the HEA Inclusive Education Conference at SETU Carlow.
You can Read the Speak Out National Report here.
About Speak Out
Speak Out is an online tool that allows students, staff, and others within our Higher Education community to anonymously disclose harmful or abusive behaviours and learn about available support services. It is one of the ways you can share your voice and help improve how our Higher Education Institution (HEI) responds to harmful and abusive behaviours.
The issues captured through Speak Out span multiple functional areas within HEIs, necessitating a coordinated, cross-institutional approach to effective prevention and response. Currently used by 17 HEIs across Ireland, Speak Out offers valuable insight into patterns and trends of behaviour, acting as a key indicator of organisational culture and trust. The aggregated data supports institutions in strengthening policies and procedures, enhancing responses to victims and survivors, and informing ongoing efforts to prevent and address abuse within the sector.
Professor Lorraine Leeson, VP for EEDI and Chairperson of the Speak Out Governance and Oversight Committee, states, “As we look to the future, our collective challenge is not only to respond effectively when harm occurs, but to create cultures in which respect, dignity and inclusion are embedded in everyday practice. By continuing to listen, learn and act together, we can build a higher education sector in which every individual feels safe, respected, and empowered to contribute fully to academic and community life. Together, we can ensure that Speak Out is not only a reporting platform, but a catalyst for meaningful and lasting cultural change.”
Speak Out at NCI
National College of Ireland is a workplace, and a place of learning. NCI has a duty of care to both staff and students. Earlier this year, Emily Williamson, NCISU's newly appointed Vice President for Welfare and Equality, joined Speak Out's Student Panel following a competitive selection process. The Student Panel supports the Speak Out National Office by providing valuable insights, expertise, and informed perspectives that help guide its work and strategic priorities. Emily's work on the Speak Out Student Panel ensures that our student voices are represented and heard and further strengthens NCI's collaboration with Speak Out.
Deirdre McCarthy, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Training Manager at NCI, shares, "NCI aims for a positive and inclusive culture, with Speak Out we have a valuable tool that helps us understand attitudes and improve processes."
Noting the significance of the Speak Out National Report, NCI recognises that the work of Speak Out, as illustrated in the report, is driving key conversations and actioning making HEI's safer environments for all. At National College of Ireland, the safety of all staff and students is paramount. Across both campus buildings, all faculty strive to ensure that NCI is safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all so that all staff and students can thrive professionally, academically, and personally.
You can access information on NCI's Speak Out and other reporting options here.