In October 2021, we commissioned Howlett Brown to carry out an independent investigation into the Bartlett School of Architecture (BSA), following reports and concerns raised by current and former students and staff relating to the culture, educational practices and environment at BSA.
The final report, published in full in June 2022, cites numerous reports of unacceptable behaviour at the BSA and details a number of recommendations to create a safer, supportive and more positive culture for students and staff, which we accept in full.
We are committed to making this a moment of radical change and our priority is to create an environment where all students and staff feel safe, valued and respected. The full report and our statement can be read below. We have a journey of change ahead and will be updating this webpage with actions and progress on the report’s recommendations.
UCL’s apology and statement can be read in full here
Independent investigation report by Howlett Brown
Read the full report and recommendations from independent consultants, Howlett Brown.
This investigation related to culture, educational practices and the environment at The Bartlett School of Architecture. It is built from participant interviews and focus groups, alongside other relevant evidence.
This investigation took place between October 2021 and April 2022. The report was published in June 2022.
Full independent investigation report by Howlett Brown
Updates and news
The Bartlett School of Architecture action plan
A three-year action plan is currently being implemented to address findings from an independent investigation into behaviour and culture at The Bartlett School of Architecture.
Roundtable: "Creating many paths to architecture"
The agenda of our final roundtable event (April 2023) focused on widening participation in architecture education and practice and creating more diverse pathways to the architecture profession.This event was the third in our series on ways forward for the architecture sector, bringing together stakeholders from industry and academia.Summary of roundtable event: "Creating many paths to architecture"
Progress update: Designing the future of The Bartlett School of Architecture
An update on the steps taken following the publication of the report, as of November 2022.This update looks at changes implemented and planned in the 2022-23 academic year. Actions are divided into four categories: care and wellbeing; design review experience; unit selection; and communications.
Roundtable: "Inclusion and diversity: An open future for architecture"
In October 2022, we held the second in our series of Architecture Roundtables, “Inclusion and diversity: An open future for architecture”.Once again, this event brought together academics, practitioners and industry bodies to discuss the challenges facing architecture, and potential ways forward. The conversation focused on questions around empowerment and the relationship between education and practice.Summary of roundtable event: "Inclusion and diversity: An open future for architecture"
The Bartlett Faculty shares progress update following external investigation
A summary of the steps we have taken since the publication of the report in June 2022, as of mid-July 2022.These include setting up Action Groups coordinated by a Steering Group; ongoing dialogue with staff and students; and engagement with the architecture sector through roundtable discussions.
Roundtable: "How can we radically remake architecture?"
We have now entered a period of listening and engagement.In June 2022 we began a series of roundtable discussions with industry and academic stakeholders. The first of these sessions asked: “How can we radically remake architecture?"This event aimed to start a conversation about how the structures of privilege reflected in the report can be disrupted. This document provides a summary of the key talking points raised in this initial discussion. Summary of roundtable event: "How can we radically remake architecture?"
Sources of support for UCL current and former staff and students
If you’ve experienced harassment, violence or abuse, it’s never your fault, and UCL is here to support you. We have a wide range of comprehensive support services available, should you need it, including support from our team of mental health and wellbeing advisers and external specialist organisations.
We encourage any current and former students and staff who have been impacted by the findings of the report to access the free, confidential counselling services available:
Current students can make a same day appointment to speak to UCL’s Support and Wellbeing Team. If you are no longer a current student and have been affected by this report and would like support, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing by email to student.wellbeing@ucl.ac.uk
Current and former BSA students and staff can receive free, confidential support 365 days a year through Spectrum Life on 0808 196 5808 or by texting ‘Hi’ to 0741 836 0780 on WhatsApp.
Additional support is available:
Report + Support is UCL’s online tool for current and former students and staff to report bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct, and it includes the option to report anonymously or on the record.
If you are a parent or are concerned about a student, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing via the Student of Concern form.
Contact and resources
UCL Support and Wellbeing Team
UCL's team of expert wellbeing, disability and mental health staff provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for those affected by issues raised in the report.
UCL Support and Wellbeing Team website
email: student.wellbeing@ucl.ac.uk
Spectrum Life
Current and former BSA staff and students can speak to a counsellor through Spectrum Life's helpline.
About Spectrum Life at UCL
Spectrum Life helpline: 0808 196 5808 or text ‘Hi’ to 0741 836 0780 on WhatsApp.
Other resources
Report bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct anonymously or on-the-record using Report + Support
Anyone concerned about a student, including parents, should fill in the Student of Concern form