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Bullying and harassment

All members of the University community have the right to work, study and live without fear of harassment, bullying, intimidation, abuse, or violent behaviour. If you or someone you know has experienced bullying or harassment, support is available. 

The Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy explains how staff and students who feel they have been subject to harassment or bullying can raise a complaint and how these will be addressed in a practical and timely way.


Report an incident


Definitions


Support for Students


Support for Staff


Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy

Definitions

What is bullying?

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

Cyber bullying is a term used to refer to harassment and bullying through electronic media, including emails and social media. Cyber harassment and bullying will be dealt with in the same way as other forms of bullying and harassment.

What is harassment?

Harassment is is unwanted behaviour that has the purpose or effect of violating a person's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the person. Under the Equality Act 2010 harassment on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation is unlawful. 

In determining whether behaviour amounts to harassment, it is necessary to consider the perception of the complaint, the circumstances of the case, and whether it is reasonable for the conduct to have that effect. 

More information

Equality Act 2010

Behaviours which may constitute bullying can include but are not limited to:

  • Ignoring or belittling someone’s views and opinions;
  • Deliberately withholding information or excluding someone which may affect their performance or wellbeing;
  • Setting unreasonable demands;
  • Excessive supervision or misuse of power or position
  • Exclusion from normal work or study place, conversations, or social events.

Behaviours which may constitute harassment can include but are not limited to:

  • Making negative comments about personal or physical characteristics or appearance, including teasing, insults or derogatory name-calling
  • The telling of homophobic, sexist, transphobic, ageist, ‘ableist’, religiously discriminatory or racist jokes and/or banter
  • Publishing, circulating or displaying pornographic, racist, homophobic, sexually suggestive or otherwise offensive pictures or other visual or written materials, communications or images.

What is discrimination?

Discrimination is is the unfair treatment of an individual on the basis of one or more of the ‘protected characteristics’ defined by the Equality Act 2010.

What is victimisation?

Victimisation is treating an individual unfairly because they made or supported a complaint of discrimination or harassment, participated in the investigation of a complaint, or is suspected of having done so. 

Support

If you or someone you know has experienced bullying or harassment, support is available at the University and by external support services.

Students

Student Welfare and Support Advice Team

The Student Welfare and Support Advice Team are experienced in supporting students who have experienced bullying or harassment, amongst other welfare related support. The team works with students who are having difficulties functioning or continuing their studies for non-academic reasons. They are able to speak with you in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space and they can support you in finding the appropriate support.

Counselling services

Tailored support is available to all enrolled Brookes students – of whatever age, gender, religion and beliefs, nationality, ethnic origin, gender identity and sexual orientation. The aim of our Counselling Service is to provide you with the support that we think best suits your needs and is most readily available. To help us do this, we operate a triage ‘assessment of needs’ system, where you may be asked to complete online clinical measures. This helps us assess your needs.

Brookes Union Advice Service

The Brookes Union Advice Service can provide you with independent advice on the options available to you, whether you are thinking about reporting to the police or the university. You can email them at su.advice@brookes.ac.uk.

Staff

Line manager

In the first instance you are encouraged to contact your line manager who can help identify what support you might need and how to begin addressing your concern. 

Directorate and faculty people managers

If your concern relates to your line manager you can contact your relevant People Manager.

Staff harassment advisors 

Staff Harassment Advisers (SHAs) are staff who have volunteered their time to provide an information service to staff who feel they are experiencing (or have witnessed) unwanted behaviour as well as to staff who have been accused of unwanted behaviour. The same adviser will not provide support to both the complainant and the alleged perpetrator.

Employee assistance programme 

If you have experienced bullying at university or elsewhere, you can contact our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Health Assured, for additional support. You can talk for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is also available to your spouse/partner and dependents (16-24 years old). 

Occupational Health

Your manager can arrange for a referral to contact Occupational Health (OH) for support managing workplace stress, wellbeing or ill health as a result of bullying or harassment. If you are not comfortable talking to your manager, you can discuss your concerns with your People Manager who can also arrange a referral.

Recognised trade unions

ACAS

ACAS offers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. 

Helpline: +44 (0) 300 123 1100

Equality Groups

For more information on external support services and protected characteristics

Contact us

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

EDIstaff@brookes.ac.uk