We believe that bullying and harassment are never okay.
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving the misuse of power that can make a person feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined or threatened.
Harassment is when someone intentionally or unintentionally violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment, which interferes with an individual’s learning, working or social endeavours.
Harassment may involve sexual harassment or be related to a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Find out more about sexual harassment.
Some forms of harassment are considered a Hate Crime. A hate incident or crime is any act of violence or hostility against a person or property that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person due to a particular protected characteristic. Find out more on hate crime.
Bullying and harassment are contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the University Harassment Policy.
Think
- Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
- If an incident has just happened try to find somewhere you feel safe. If this isn't possible and you are scared or fearful, you can call Security on 01225 87 5555 or the Police non-emergency number 101.
- What are bullying and harassment? It might be useful to think about what is meant by bullying and harassment and how these behaviours may present.
Talk
- To a friend - talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
- To Student Wellbeing Services, who can discuss in confidence the University's procedures, how to make a complaint and the support that is available.
- To the BSUSU Advice Centre - a free, confidential, impartial service where an advisor can talk through the procedure, how to complain, what options are available and support you through the process. This support includes checking draft complaints and attending any meetings with the University.
Report
- Report and Support - Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to speak with an advisor, they will be able to confidentially discuss the options and support available to you.
- University Procedure - If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff, there are procedures which set out the steps that will need to be followed.
Get Support
- Find out what support is available if you think you have been bullied or harassed.
Mental Health
1 in 4 people is affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people has contemplated suicide or self-harm.
- Find out more about the support available for mental health
- Take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you:
- Student Wellbeing Services provides confidential help and support for students
Staff can speak with their line manager, a Harassment Advisor, contact HR and access Lifeworks – the University’s employee assistance service.