Choice Training is committed to ensuring that all students can study and be part of the training environment free from any form of harassment or bullying. Choice Training will not tolerate any form of bullying or harassment and will take firm and decisive action to protect students from harm.
Harassment or bullying can be due to a lack of understanding or intolerance
Of difference‟ whether that is based on appearance or manner or wider issues such as sexuality, race or gender. In this respect this policy is part of Choice Training commitment to Equality and Diversity to ensure students are free from discrimination.
We expect that all students will treat each other and Choice Training staff with courtesy and respect and this is laid out in Expectations of Behaviour. The
college also recognises its responsibility to ensure that all students are clear
about expectations of behaviour and the consequences for not meeting these standards.
Choice Training also has the responsibility to take positive steps to create and
maintain an atmosphere and environment where students can feel safe,
welcome and where they have a voice.
This policy outlines behaviour that would be considered inappropriate or
unacceptable and details the procedures that should be followed when an
allegation or suspicion of bullying or harassment is made.
It is the policy of Choice Training that:
Bullying often includes the following:
Behaviour
types of behaviour and there are varying degrees of what people consider to be bullying.
The following are examples of bullying but this is not an exhaustive list.
pinching.
laughing at someone or mocking them.
disability or appearance (see harassment)
or emails.
Staff and students must remember that bullying is a type of behaviour and it is therefore important to separate the behaviour from the individual.
Harassment may be defined as conduct that is unwanted by the recipient and which affects the dignity of any individual or group. Harassment may be
repetitive or an isolated incident.
Harassment may occur against an individual because of their disability, race,
religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or any personal characteristic of the
individual.
This can include
Cyber bullying is the intentional, persistent behaviour by an individual or group, causing harm to others using information and communication technologies. Aspects of cyber bullying are different from other forms of bullying. These include
Students must be encouraged to feel they can confide in members of staff if an incident occurs. They must feel the incident will be taken seriously and that appropriate action will be carried out. Staff and parents should be alert for signs and symptoms of bullying and be prepared to act upon them.
It may not always be appropriate for the procedures to be followed in sequential order, for example a serious incident may go directly to a formal report or disciplinary. The points below provide a guideline on the procedure
for students to follow if they are being bullied or harassed.
First Action
Reporting
Investigation
There will be a written record of these interviews.
Outcome
Action taken will depend on the nature of the incident, the reactions of those accused and the wishes of the victims. This will range through:
It must be recognised that the investigation of bullying or harassment is not a simple process as much will depend on very different interpretations of intent, consequence and the nature of relationships. Also there will often not be a clean outcome which stops any further bullying or harassment. Incidents can continue resurfacing for months. However it is important that any incidents are acknowledged and investigated and that there is seen to be firm and decisive action in order to maintain the confidence and trust of students.
In order to ensure that students can study in an environment free from bullying or harassment, it is the responsibility of Choice Training to ensure that clear strategies are in place both to prevent occurrences of bullying and harassment and also to encourage students to report incidents. These strategies include:
It is important that Choice Training understands the extent to which bullying and harassment are taking place and the impact on students. To achieve this
All incidents of bullying, whether reported or suspected must be recorded
Questions on how students feel about their own level of safety and exposure to incidents of bullying and harassment will be included in
Questionnaires
Next Policy review date: 23/2/18