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Harassment and Bullying Policy
Autism Support Consultancy (ASC) provides high quality autism training and education. Our intention is to create a happy atmosphere that is friendly and supportive, so that we can be trusted to get on with what we are passionate about! ASC is dedicated to having a workplace and a training atmosphere that is free from harassment and bullying, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The purpose of this harassment and bullying policy is to provide a method of raising issues, for anyone who feels they have experienced harassment and bullying as a result of working for or training with ASC.
What is harassment?
Harassment is any unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. It is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010 to harass a person because of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin. Religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. It also includes conduct of a sexual nature (sexual harassment). Harassment is unacceptable even if it does not fall into any of these categories.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient. Bullying can include the use of personal strength or the power to coerce through fear or intimidation, not necessarily from someone in a position of authority. Bullying may be physical, verbal or non-verbal. It can include conduct that is not face-to-face such as email or social media. Please note that, legitimate or reasonable criticism of a staff member’s performance does not amount to bullying.
Breaches of this policy
Bullying and harassment are not tolerated in our workplace and all staff are required to treat each other, along with our customers with dignity and respect. Breaches of this policy will be dealt with in accordance with our disciplinary procedure.
If you believe that you are being harassed or bullied
If you feel that you are being harassed, or bullied you should raise the matter formally in accordance with our complaints procedure. All complaints will be investigated in accordance with our complaints policy. If we consider that there is sufficient evidence to suggest you have been harassed, or bullied we will consider the appropriate action to take. Whether or not the complaint is upheld, we will consider how best to manage any ongoing relationship between yourself and ASC.