Harassment and Bullying

Anti-Bullying & Harassment

The University and the Department, does not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or victimisation and expects all members of the University community, its visitors and contractors to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration.

The Department and University takes all allegations of harassment seriously. By its very nature, cases must be dealt with both sensitively and confidentially. For this reason, it may, at times, appear that matters are not being progressed and dealt with. We can assure staff that we apply the full rigour of the policy, as appropriate, but the precise details of the steps being taken can only be shared with the parties involved; all parties are bound by the principles of confidentiality.

We recognise that staff experiencing harassment may have reservations about coming forward, not least a fear they will not be taken seriously or that there may be an impact on their career. All parties in the process are treated with dignity and respect and with full regard for how challenging formal investigations can be for the individuals involved. Individuals are supported throughout the process by appropriately trained professional staff.

Training Courses and Resources

Harassment and Bullying NDM aims to maximise the use of the training courses and resources available within the University to facilitate the enhancement of understanding and foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and to create an environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. With this in mind, all new staff members, regardless of staff category or seniority, are required to complete the Equality and Diversity and Challenging Behaviour on-line courses run by the People & Organisational Development, as well as Unconscious Bias Training run within NDM in order to complete their probation.

In November 2016, to coincide with Anti-Bullying week, NDM launched an Anti-Bullying leaflet, which is available to pick up from your HR teams and leaflet stands around the Department. It is our intention that this leaflet helps to raise awareness and guide our staff and students to the support available.

In December 2019, NDM launched a Bullying and Harassment Poster, which can be found throughout NDM. It is our intention that this poster is periodically updated, helps to raise awareness and guide our staff and students to the support available.

November 2021, NDM poster to coincide with Anti-Bullying week.

We would also encourage all staff to view the resources and training available via the Equality and Diversity Harassment Advice website page.

NDM Harassment advisors

If you feel you are being bullied it is important that you talk to someone and seek advice as soon as possible. NDM has a number of Harassment Advisors, who are part of the University’s confidential harassment advisor network and are trained to listen and confidentially support those who feel they are being bullied. We would also encourage you to make yourself familiar with the University Policy and Procedure on Harassment and Bullying. This will explain the process that will be followed to resolve issues both formally and informally.

What can the harassment advisor do?

Listen to staff and students who believe they are being harassed, to clarify the options open to them and to assist them in resolving the matter informally where possible and provide similar support to those accused of harassment.
Where requested, support individuals throughout the resolution of their concerns. This may include discussing with the individual what they may wish to say or write to the person whom they feel has harassed or bullied them, or how they might approach a senior member of staff for assistance in resolving the issue. This list is not exhaustive, but includes empowering and supporting the individual.
Deal with all cases with the utmost confidentiality except in cases where there is an unacceptable risk to a member of staff, student or to the institution.

The harassment advisor cannot:

approach the alleged harasser in an attempt to mediate or resolve the matter for you;
act as your representative or advocate; or
be involved in any formal stage of the process, be it in writing the formal complaint, the investigation, disciplinary or grievance procedures, except by way of giving you the support you need during this time.