Equal Opportunities Policy
Handbook of Student RegulationsBullying and Harassment
The University is committed to ensuring that every individual within the University can work and study effectively in an environment of respect and dignity. The University has an Equal Opportunities Policy, a Race Equality Policy and Code of Practice for Harassment Prevention (see Equal Opportunities Policy and Supporting Documents), which demonstrates the University’s continuing commitment to implementing and promoting measures to protect the dignity of all our students and staff and to encourage respect for others. As a student it is your responsibility to make sure that you have read, understood and adhere to the Equal Opportunities Policy and Supporting Documents and the Race Equality Policy.Northumbria University has a ‘duty of care’ to safeguard and promote the welfare of its students and members of staff. Therefore, we are continuing to strive to create a work and study environment free from bullying and harassment by dealing effectively with any complaints of such conduct. Northumbria University will not tolerate bullying or harassment by any student or member of staff against another/others for any reason. This section endeavours to define bullying and harassment, to promote awareness among students and to explain the procedures for dealing with any allegations.
What are bullying and harassment?
These terms are often used interchangeably and many definitions include bullying as a form of harassment and vice versa.Harassment, in general terms is:
Harassment is unwanted conduct affecting the dignity of people in their place of study or work. It may be related to factors such as age, sex, race, colour, disability, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or any personal characteristic of the individual. Harassment can be physical, verbal, visual or written (including electronic media); it can be an isolated incident or a series of incidents; and can occur on or off campus at anytime. The key when determining if harassment has taken place is that the actions and comments are seen as demeaning and unacceptable to the person on the receiving end.
Harassment can also be classed as unlawful discrimination under certain laws, for instance, if it is based on factors such as sex, race, disability, religion, belief or sexual orientation, then the harasser may be liable to prosecution through the courts. Harassment can also constitute a criminal offence, under the Public Order Act 1986 (Section 4A), which creates a criminal offence of intentional harassment.
Bullying may be characterised as:
Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour. An
abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate,
denigrate or even injure the recipient.
Bullying or harassment may be by an individual against an individual (e.g. a tutor against a student) or involve groups of people (e.g. more than one student against another student).
Bullying and harassment can include:- Denying opportunity afforded others.
- Preventing individuals from progressing.
- Spreading rumours about someone.
- Name calling.
- Abuse, jokes.
- Unfair treatment.
- Ridiculing or demeaning someone.
- Displaying offensive material, graffiti.
- Ignoring or isolating individuals.
- Threat of assault or physical assault.
- Implying or expressing reward for sexual favours.
- Actual or implied threat of reprisals for non compliance with sexual favours.
- Unnecessary touching or physical contact.
- Sexual assault or rape.
- Constructive and fair criticism of someone’s work or performance.
- A legitimate University response to situations that require immediate action.
Harassment and bullying can occur in any kind of situation and it is your responsibility to make yourself aware of the impact of personal behaviour that could cause offence to another student or member of staff and make them feel uncomfortable or threatened. Harassment and bullying is behaviour that is destructive to a positive work and study environment and will not be tolerated.
Complaints procedure
The University believes that harassment and bullying is a form of less favourable treatment that violates human rights and can poison the working and learning environment. Any member of staff, student or potential member of the University can make a complaint of harassment. The University considers behaviour constituting harassment and bullying on the grounds of ethnic origin, colour, gender, disability, marital status, age, sexuality, religion, belief, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic to be misconduct and will be dealt with under the relevant disciplinary procedures. The President of the Students’ Union and the Welfare Support Advisers in Student Services are available to advise students on these procedures. If you feel you have been bullied or harassed we would recommend that you seek advice at the earliest possible stage. (See section on Complaints).What to do if you feel you are being bullied or harassed3
- If you feel that you are being subjected to harassment or bullying in any form, do not feel that it is your fault or that you have to tolerate it.
- If it is at all possible, you should make it clear to the person, or persons causing the offence, that such behaviour is unacceptable to you. Be specific so that the person knows exactly what you want to stop or change. If you wish, take someone with you for support.
- If you feel unable to tackle the person concerned, this does not imply that you consent to the harassment, nor does it prejudice any complaint you may wish to bring.
- It is helpful to keep a record of events which distress you, and the effect that they have had on you.
- Always feel able to get support from the Welfare Support Advisers in Student Services
- You could try joining a society or take part in the ‘Give it a Go’ Scheme in the Students Union, this could help you to build up a network of support, it may also help to boost your confidence and self esteem
When an informal attempt to resolve the matter fails, the complainant is able to raise the complaint through the formal complaints procedure.
- If your complaint is against a member of staff, you should tell your lecturer or guidance tutor, who should refer it to a senior member of staff. Complaints against staff are dealt with by management using the Staff Management Procedures.
- If your complaint is against a student, you should read the procedures outlined in the Handbook of Student Regulations (section 9).
- Any student wishing to bring a complaint is encouraged to contact a Welfare Support Adviser in Student Services at the earliest possible stage. They will be able to ensure that any support you need is made available to you and that the relevant procedures are followed.
