Back in February, hundreds of Hallam students signed our petition demanding Sheffield City Council (SCC) do more to hold venues accountable for tackling drink spiking. Specifically, we asked for the following changes:

• Zero tolerance signage - Clear messaging in venues to deter offenders and reassure patrons.
• Mandatory staff training - Ensuring bar staff can identify spiking incidents and provide victim support.
• Clear policies on reporting and assistance - Venues must take immediate action to protect victims and facilitate reporting.
• Provision of cup covers - Available on request to help prevent spiking.
• Regular compliance checks - Spot checks to ensure venues follow the policy, with penalties for non-compliance.

We're delighted that Sheffield City Council agreed to work with us and consult students on the specific wording of their policies during reviews over the next year. Now, our job is to make sure these changes come into effect.

We're also working to ensure Hallam students' voices are heard by Mayor Oliver Coppard, with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) being responsible for overseeing policing in our region, including keeping communities safe. Under this responsibility, the Mayor has a legal duty on a range of things, including:

• Consulting the public to ensure their views and priorities on community safety issues inform the police and crime plan.
• Commissioning services and providing grants to help tackle and prevent crime, while supporting vulnerable people and those affected by crime.
• Convening community safety and criminal justice partners with mutual duties to co-operate and implement changes across the police force area.

Whilst the Mayor doesn't run the police, he has a duty to be the voice of the people he represents and hold the police accountable. We'll be putting Hallam students' views on all things personal safety to Mayor Coppard and his team at the next Sheffield Students' Assembly on Friday 8 May. If you want to share your thoughts, views, or concerns about safety in Sheffield, grab your free ticket to make sure your voice is heard by those who can make real, impactful change!