We don't tolerate bullying - neither should you
Friday, 17 November 2017
It’s Anti-Bullying Week this week. This makes it timely to remind staff and students that the University does not tolerate bullying or other forms of harassment, and to remind staff and students of the mechanisms we have in place for reporting, and the support and processes we have in place around this.
University policy: This is clear cut and is articulated in the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy and in the University’s Harassment Statement. Harassment can seriously worsen working and social conditions for staff and students at the University. In particular, bullying is a form of personal harassment which makes the recipient feel threatened, humiliated or patronised and creates an intimidating working environment. See the University’s Harassment Guidance for more information and examples of the sorts of behaviour that would be considered bullying in our University context.
Incidents of harassment, including bullying, are regarded extremely seriously. These may be grounds for disciplinary action which could lead to dismissal or expulsion. In particular harassment or victimisation on the grounds of any of the protected characteristics laid out in the Equality Act 2010 is illegal. If you consider you are being subjected to harassment in any form do not feel that it is your fault or that you have to tolerate it.
Reporting of harassment and associated support: It is often possible to resolve situations informally, for example approaching the person causing offense and explaining why the behaviour is unacceptable. But there will be occasions when this is not appropriate, and/or support is needed.
To support both staff and students the University has set up a network of volunteer, trained Harassment Advisers, who are ready and available to offer support and advice.
For students advice and support is additionally available through personal tutors, hall wardens and students’ union officers, and counselling and wellbeing services staff. Alternatively harassment can be reported in confidence by emailing harassment@reading.ac.uk, this email monitored continually by student services.
For staff advice and support is additionally available through HR, through trade union representatives, through line managers and through the Employee Assistance Programme.
For more information about our Harassment Adviser Network see our Harassment Adviser Profiles and Contacts.
For more information on how to support staff and students in relation to harassment, and what to do if you experience harassment, read the University’s Harassment Guidance, or the advice specifically tailored for students on the Essentials page.
For more information on relevant University and HR policies see the Diversity and Inclusion policies and procedures page.