We are the LSE Safe Contacts. We are members of LSE staff who have received training and can offer a confidential 'signposting' service for staff and students who have previously or are currently experiencing some form of bullying or harassment.
Safe Contacts can support you no matter your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability and more. We care, and we are here for you. If you have experienced any bullying or harassment that are homophobic, transphobic, biphobic, racist, sexist, or discriminatory of any nature, please reach out to any Safe Contact below and we will help you navigate the support available and what comes next.
We are all volunteers, who are supported by the EDI office and who are committed to supporting LSE’s inclusive working, studying and social environment.There are two ways you can speak with a Safe Contact:
1. You can contact Equity, Diversity and Inclusion via email (edi@lse.ac.uk) or by phone (+447971552755)
2. You can reach out to us directly via our contact details below.
We recognise the strength it can take to reach out for support, so each safe contact aims to respond to you within 1 – 2 working days and aims to offer you an appointment within 5 working days.
Astrid Soiza
Head of Student Records Mangement
Student Services Centre
a.soiza@lse.ac.uk
My name is Astrid and I have been at LSE since 2010. I have had a number of roles in the Academic Registrar’s Division, and am currently the Head of Student Records Management. I have a very keen interest in student and staff wellbeing, so took on the role of a Safe Contact in summer 2019.
Damian Roberts
Department Manager
Department of Social Policy
d.p.roberts@lse.ac.uk
0207 955 7345
Having worked at LSE for many years, I know how busy, complex and stressful place it can be. In this environment, I hope that I and the other safe contacts can offer easily accessible support and guidance in a safe, non-judgmental space to whoever needs it.
As dad to three boys, in my ‘spare’ time I find myself standing on the football pitch touchline in the driving rain, being briefed on the intricacies of the latest Lego creation and fending off attacks from ninjas!
Dr Anouska Nithyanandan
Research Development Manager. Acting Deputy Head of Research Development and Research Innovation
Research and Innovation
a.nithyanandan@lse.ac.uk
I am passionate about supporting the enviroment in which we work, learn and do research. I have been a committee member of EmbRace staff network since 2017, and have volunteered as a bullying and harassment Safe Contact since 2020.
Pete Evanson
Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)
Student Services Centre
P.Evanson@lse.ac.uk
In my role I often encounter students who are, or have, faced difficult or distressing circumstances and I try to be a good listener who can help to formulate a plan that joins up the academic and pastoral support available to students at LSE.
Sevilay Erdogan
Postgraduate Administrator (PhD & Research Lead)
Department of Social Policy
s.erdogan1@lse.ac.uk
I have worked at LSE for a number of years and I am currently a receptionist in one of the halls of residence. I work with students on a daily basis, and I took on this role as I have a keen interest in the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff.In my spare time, I am currently studying for a degree from home and I enjoy reading and socialising with friends and family.
Mark Bryceland
MSc Programmes Manager
Department of Government
m.bryceland@lse.ac.uk
0207 955 6300
In my current role I frequently help students who may experience difficulties on a range of issues related to their programme of study. I decided to become a safe contact in spring 2020 in order to signpost students and staff to appropriate sources of help at the School.In my spare time I go to the gym or for a run most lunchtimes. Outside of work I am a music enthusiast and budding script-writer.
Kelly Benson
Faculty Affairs Manager
Management
k.benson@lse.ac.uk
0207 955 6291
I have worked in Higher Education Administration since 2001, this is my third institution and I have been at LSE since 2014. My current role is primarily academic recruitment and supporting key HR functions for the Department. I have a keen interest in student and staff wellbeing and took on the role of a Safe Contact in March 2020.