Emily Williamson, NCISU's newly appointed Vice President for Welfare and Equality, has been selected by Speak Out to be part of the Student Panel.  

Speak Out at NCI  

Speak Out is a tool for students, staff, and others in the Higher Education Institution (HEI) community to anonymously disclose harmful and abusive behaviours and be signposted to support services. Currently used by 17 Higher Education Institutions across Ireland, Speak Out provides a safe and confidential option for individuals allowing their experiences to be acknowledged while signposting them to relevant support services.  

At an institutional level, Speak Out offers valuable insight into patterns and trends of behaviour across HEIs, 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. 

Reporting an experience of harm through Speak Out does not equate to making a named report to a HEI. This anonymous disclosure tool sits alongside informal and formal processes within HEIs. It is always the choice of the individual affected how they wish to seek support or resolution. The goal of Speak Out is to provide another option for our community, many of whom may not be ready or may not wish to make a formal complaint. 

The Student Panel welcomes Emily  

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. Six students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) throughout Ireland are selected annually for this role. The Speak Out National Office, based in Trinity College Dublin, was established in 2025.   

Emily is currently NCISU's Vice President for Welfare and Equality. Emily has a strong background in student leadership.  

Elaine Mears, Speak Out National Coordinator, has welcomed the appointment saying, "We are delighted to welcome Emily to the Speak Out Student Panel and congratulate her on her success in what was a highly competitive application process." 

Deirdre McCarthy, NCI's Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Training Manager, said, "I am delighted to see that the NCISU member, VP for Welfare Emily Williamson, has secured a place on the Student Panel for Speak Out after a competitive process for selection. Speak Out is one of the tools that NCI uses to challenge these behaviours, promoting our campus as a safe place, with zero tolerance for violence and harassment. In order for all our tools and approaches to work effectively, is it critical to have the student voice at the core, which will be the role of the Student Panel. Best of luck, Emily, with the work ahead."  

Commenting on her new role on the Speak Out Student Panel, Emily Williamson, Vice President for Welfare & Equality at NCISU, said, "I wanted to be on the Speak Out Student Panel as I felt that it would help me in my role supporting our students. I will have the opportunity to meet and work with peers in other institutions and get training. I am delighted to have been chosen to become a member of this panel. I look forward to a great year, full of opportunity and learning!"  

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. Having a member of NCISU on the Speak Out Student Panel ensures that our student voices are represented and heard, strengthening NCI's collaboration with Speak Out, and highlighting how seriously the College takes its role in working to end sexual violence and harassment.  

You can access information on NCI's Speak Out and other reporting options here.  

You can access the most recent Speak Out National Report here.