ANTI-BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY (STAFF)
Statement of Purpose
Nelmes Pre-School recognises the problems associated with bullying and harassment of adults and is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals can operate effectively, confidently and competently.
Harassment and/or bullying of adults, including members of staff, is not acceptable under any circumstances. The focus of this policy is to promote good relationships and positive behaviours that engender mutual respect and esteem among staff, children and parents.
Definition of Bullying and Harassment
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person which causes pain and distress for the victim.
Bullying is an unacceptable form of behaviour through which an individual or group of individuals feel threatened, abused or undermined by another individual or group of individuals.
Harassment is defined as any conduct which is unwanted by the recipient, or any such conduct based on the grounds of bias or discrimination that affects the dignity of any individual, or group of individuals at work.
Harassment may be repetitive, or an isolated occurrence against one or more individuals.
Complying with the Law
The Equality Act 2010, and subsequent revisions, makes it illegal to discriminate against a person on the grounds of their race or ethnicity, their disability, their gender or sexual orientation, their age or religion. Behaviour that does not comply with the Act will be challenged and in the case of staff could lead to disciplinary procedures being invoked.
Forms of Bullying and Harassment
Bullying and harassment can take many forms – it may be emotional, physical, verbal, non-verbal, racist, sexual, homophobic or cyberbullying.
Expectations
Within the setting we aim to develop an inclusive and positive ethos and climate of respect, responsibility and positive relationships, creating a culture where bullying and discrimination is unacceptable.
All service users will be made aware of this policy and expected to adhere to it.
Staff
Staff are expected to abide by the Nelmes Pre-School ‘Code of Practice’ as outlined in the Employee Handbook, of which every staff member has a copy.
Staff also have responsibilities noted within the Whistleblowing Policy to report any concerns of malpractice or wrongdoing by other members of staff and this would include bullying and harassment of colleagues.
Any incidences of bullying and harassment of staff by other members of staff, including management, will be fully investigated. Staff should have confidence that any concerns they bring will be listened to sympathetically and resolution sought. Concerns should be reported directly to the manager.
Where possible informal resolutions will be sought and agreed between the parties concerned, but if this is not possible due to the seriousness of the incident(s) then staff can raise a grievance or disciplinary action may need to be taken.
Should a member of staff feel that a pattern of bullying or harassment towards them is emerging they should keep a personal record of any incidents that they may need to refer to in a future complaint with details of date, time, place, persons involved and any witnesses.
