Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy

 

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all individuals associated with Darbar Arts Culture and Heritage Trust, including employees, volunteers, trustees, participants, and visitors, are treated with dignity and respect in an environment free from harassment and bullying. This policy outlines our commitment to preventing and addressing harassment and bullying in compliance with UK law.

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved with Darbar Arts Culture and Heritage Trust, including but not limited to:

• Employees (full-time, part-time, temporary, and permanent)

• Volunteers

• Trustees

• Contractors and consultants

• Participants in our programs and events

• Visitors

 

3. Definitions

• Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic (such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation) which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them.

  Bullying: Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.

 

4. Policy Statement

Darbar Arts Culture and Heritage Trust is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and bullying. All forms of harassment and bullying are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

5. Responsibilities Trustees and Management:

• Ensure this policy is implemented and adhered to.

• Foster a culture of respect and dignity.

• Provide training and resources to promote awareness and understanding of harassment and bullying.

 

Employees and Volunteers:

• Treat everyone with respect and dignity.

• Report any incidents of harassment or bullying.

• Cooperate with any investigations into alleged harassment or bullying.

 

Participants and Visitors:

• Respect the rights of others while engaging in our activities and events.

• Report any incidents of harassment or bullying. 6. Reporting Procedures

  Informal Resolution: Where appropriate, individuals are encouraged to resolve issues informally by discussing the matter directly with the person concerned, if they feel comfortable doing so.

  Formal Complaint: If informal resolution is not appropriate or has been unsuccessful, individuals should report the incident to their line manager, volunteer coordinator, or a designated trustee. Complaints can be made verbally or in writing.

  Investigation: All formal complaints will be taken seriously and investigated promptly and impartially. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible while conducting a thorough investigation.

  Outcome: Following the investigation, appropriate action will be taken. This may include disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal for employees or termination of involvement for volunteers, participants, or visitors.

7. Support

Darbar Arts Culture and Heritage Trust will provide support to anyone affected by harassment or bullying. This may include counselling services or mediation.

8. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the trustees to ensure it remains effective and in line with current UK law. Feedback from employees, volunteers, and other stakeholders will be considered in these reviews.

9. Legal Framework

This policy is underpinned by UK legislation, including but not limited to:

• The Equality Act 2010

• The Protection from Harassment Act 1997

• The Employment Rights Act 1996

10. Contact Information

For any queries or to report an incident, please contact:

Darbar Arts Culture and Heritage Trust

 

Address: LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1RE

Phone: 07506 700 785
Email: manjit@darbar.org

This policy was approved by the Trustees of Darbar Arts Culture and Heritage Trust on 30 July 2024