Harassment and Bullying Policy

CJ Associates Ltd. (“the Company”) aims to ensure all employees are treated fairly and no employee receives treatment which is offensive or prejudicial to a productive working environment. Harassment and bullying are seen as a very serious matters and will not be tolerated, by or against employees.

Definition

Harassment is defined as unwanted conduct which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual. This could be on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability or age.

Bullying can be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.

Offensive behaviour can be physical or verbal. Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:

• spreading malicious rumours, or insulting someone.
• copying emails that are about someone to others who do not need to know.
• ridiculing or demeaning someone – picking on them or setting them up to fail.
• exclusion or victimisation.
• unfair treatment.
• overbearing supervision or other misuse of power or position.
• unwelcome sexual advances.

Responsibilities

All employees are responsible for maintaining a safe and supportive working environment and must at all times ensure that their behaviour, conduct and language does not cause offence to others in any of the ways defined above.

Procedure

If behaviour which contravenes this policy is noted it should be brought to the attention of a member of the Executive Group immediately for action.  Complaints should be made either verbally or in writing.

All complaints about bullying or harassment will be taken seriously, treated confidentially, investigated thoroughly and appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be taken against those responsible.