Bullying and Harassment Policy 

Bullying and Harassment Policy 

The policy applies to anyone who uses the hall.

Our aims are to foster and maintain a culture of respect and dignity and will be pro-active in addressing instances of bullying or harassment.

Harassment, in general terms is unwanted conduct affecting the dignity of anyone in the hall, where actions or comments are viewed as demeaning and unacceptable to the recipient.

Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.

Examples of bullying or harassing behaviour include:

• spreading malicious rumours

• unfair treatment

• picking on or regularly undermining someone

Bullying and harassment can happen:

• face-to-face

• by letter

• by email

• by phone

We will be pro-active in addressing any instances of bullying or harassment we witness or are reported to the committee.

In less serious cases, the matter can be dealt with informally; sometimes people are not aware that their behaviour is unwelcome and an informal discussion can lead to greater understanding and an agreement that the behaviour will cease.

In more serious cases of bullying or harassment we will review any concerns raised and be supportive of the person who raised them. All complaints will be treated with the strictest confidence and handled sensitively. We will be mindful of our duties within Safeguarding protocols.

A serious complaint will be investigated promptly and objectively by a nominated committee member. The committee member may seek external, professional, support when dealing with a serious complaint should this be warranted.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the committee will decide on the most appropriate course of action.