Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy

1. Purpose

We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for all, whether staff, volunteers, refugees, or visitors. Bullying or harassment of any kind has no place in our charity. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and to work free from fear, hostility, or distress.

2. Who this applies to

This policy covers:

  • Trustees

  • Volunteers 

  • Partner organisations or visitors engaged in our work

It applies to all activities, including in-person events, phone calls, emails, and online interactions.

3. What is bullying and harassment?

Bullying is repeated or one-off behaviour that is intimidating, degrading, or offensive. Examples include:

  • Insults, shouting, or unfair criticism

  • Spreading rumours or deliberate exclusion

  • Mocking accents, background, or beliefs

Harassment is unwanted behaviour related to protected characteristics (e.g. race, religion, gender, disability) that:

  • Violates someone’s dignity

  • Creates an intimidating or hostile environment

This includes:

  • Racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks

  • Inappropriate jokes or images

  • Physical intimidation or gestures

Even if unintended, behaviour can still count as harassment if it causes harm.

4. Our responsibilities

  • Everyone is responsible for treating others with kindness and respect.

  • Trustees must respond to concerns fairly and sensitively.

  • We commit to protecting anyone who raises a concern from victimisation.

5. If you experience or witness bullying or harassment

Informal Approach

If you feel safe doing so, speak directly to the person involved. They may not realise their behaviour is upsetting. A calm and clear conversation can often resolve things.

You can also speak confidentially with:

  • A trustee

  • A fellow volunteer

Formal Approach

If the issue continues or feels serious:

  1. Write down what happened – include dates, times, and names if possible.

  2. Raise your concern with the Chair of Trustees 

  3. A confidential discussion will be arranged, and we will handle it fairly and without judgement.

  4. We may carry out a short investigation and speak to those involved.

  5. You will be kept informed of any steps taken. Where appropriate, we may offer mediation, issue a warning, or take formal action.

6. Confidentiality and Fairness

We treat all complaints sensitively. Only those who need to know will be informed. We will always seek to resolve matters calmly and respectfully for all involved.

7. Protection from Retaliation

No one will be treated unfairly for raising a genuine concern. Anyone who retaliates against a person for reporting an issue may face disciplinary action.

8. Review and Commitment

This policy is reviewed every 2 years or after any significant incident. We encourage feedback to ensure it stays relevant and effective.

Contact

Email: shaftesburyrefugeegroup@gmail.com