Anonymous Reporting

A safe way to raise concerns

Sometimes you may want to report a concern but aren't ready to share your identity. We understand—and we're here to help.

Grapevine is an external, independent service that allows you to report concerns anonymously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's managed by Wise Workplace Investigations Pty Ltd, completely separate from UNE, to protect your privacy.

Your Privacy is Protected

  • Anonymous means anonymous: You don't have to provide your name or contact details, however we may be limited in our ability to fully investigate and we won't be able to contact you for additional or clarifying information.
  • Secure communication: All online submissions are encrypted and password-protected
  • Independent service: Grapevine is external to UNE, adding an extra layer of privacy
  • Confidential handling: Only designated UNE staff in Student Grievance Unit, Safe Communities, and People and Culture have access to your submission

Why Use Grapevine?

You might choose Grapevine if you:

  • Want to report something but aren't comfortable sharing your name
  • Want to provide information without being directly involved in an investigation
  • Feel safer using an external, independent service

All submissions are taken seriously and handled according to University policy, even if we don't know who you are.

Limitations of reporting anonymously:

While we take all submissions seriously, reporting anonymously does have some limitations:

  • If the submission doesn't have sufficient information we won't be able to contact you to gain the required information which may mean that we are unable to progress your complaint
  • We can't update you directly if you don't provide contact details
  • It may be harder to achieve a resolution if we can't speak with you

If you're able to provide contact details (even just an email), it can help us investigate more thoroughly—but this is completely your choice.

How to Make An Anonymous Submission

Option 1: Online Submission 

To make a submission, select the button below:

Grapevine

You may upload documents as part of your submission to provide information and evidence with their disclosure, including photographs, emails, documents, sound recordings, videos etc.

Option 2: Submission by Post
First, complete the Grapevine Complaint and Feedback Form, then send your completed form to this secure mailbox:

PO Box 119
Carlton South VIC, 3053

What happens to my written submission when I send it to the secure mailbox?

The disclosure information is entered into the Grapevine platform system within 24 hours of receipt of the disclosure by a Grapevine representative.

What Happens Next

We know it can be hard to report something and not know what happens next. Here's what you can expect.

Step 1 - Your submission is received by Grapevine

Once you submit the form you'll get a unique reference number so you can check the status online. Your submission is reviewed by independent legal experts at Grapevine to ensure it's handled appropriately.

Step 2 - UNE is notified

Grapevine sends your submission to the designated UNE staff, Student Grievance Unit, Safe Communities, and People and Culture within 24 hours. If your submission involves high-risk or urgent matters (like safety concerns), UNE is notified immediately.

All submissions are password-protected to maintain confidentiality.

Step 3 - Your submission is reviewed

UNE reviews your submission and determines the best way to proceed which might include an investigation, referral to another team, or other action based on University policy. If you have provided contact details, you will receive an outcome notification.

Other Ways to Report

Grapevine isn't your only option. You can also:

  • Try to resolve the concern yourself directly with the person or area concerned, more information can be found on the complaints webpage
  • Submit a formal complaint to UNE directly, more information about submitting a formal complaint can be found in the Step 2 - Formal Complaints webpage.

You're welcome to seek advice and support from the UNE LIfe Advocacy & Welfare team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is personal information stored?

Personal data is stored on encrypted servers located in a secure data centre in Australia.

Uploaded files have the same security as any other data i.e. encrypted storage, encrypted transmission and access will be controlled by username, password, roles and permissions. All data including attachments are protected using the following security measures:

  • Grapevine Online is fully protected with end-to-end encryption that ensures that all data in transit is protected and encrypted with HTTPS protocol;
  • Data stored on Grapevine Online servers is fully encrypted using commercial grade encryption techniques;
  • Access to the Grapevine Online is protected with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorised access to user accounts (for nominated officers only);
  • Access to Grapevine Online is given through the provision of a unique user account and a complex password (for nominated officers only);
  • Access to personal data is protected by roles and permissions within Grapevine Online system. Users can only access data on a need-to-know basis (for nominated officers only).
How is the data from my submission secured?

Data is secured using a variety of security measures to protect against loss, misuse and alteration.

  • Grapevine Online is protected using state of the art firewall and IP restriction rules to keep the system safe from unauthorised access;
  • Grapevine Online uses systems to lockout and prevent brute-force attacks;
  • Grapevine Online is fully protected with end-to-end encryption that ensures that all data in transit is protected and encrypted with HTTPS protocol;
  • Data stored on Grapevine Online servers is fully encrypted using commercial grade encryption techniques;
  • Access to the Grapevine Online is protected with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorised access to user accounts (for nominated officers only);
  • Access to Grapevine Online is given through the provision of a unique user account and a complex password (for nominated officers only);
  • Access to personal data is protected by roles and permissions within Grapevine Online system. Users can only access data on a need-to-know basis (for nominated officers only).
How long is the information retained?

Currently information from Grapevine submissions are stored for 7 years unless otherwise legally required.