Last updated January 2025. Next update due January 2027

Purpose
CLEFT is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where all individuals - whether trustees, staff, volunteers, or partners - are treated with dignity and respect. This policy outlines CLEFT’s commitment to preventing and addressing bullying and harassment in accordance with Charity Commission guidelines and UK employment and equality laws.

Scope
This policy applies to all individuals involved with CLEFT, including trustees, employees, volunteers, contractors, and third-party partners. It covers conduct at work, during charity-related activities, and in any situation where an individual represents CLEFT.

Definitions

3.1 Bullying
Bullying is repeated, unreasonable, or offensive behaviour that undermines, humiliates, or intimidates an individual or group. Examples include:

• Spreading malicious rumours.
• Publicly belittling or ridiculing someone.
• Persistent criticism or unreasonable demands.
• Exclusion from work-related activities.

3.2 Harassment
Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 (e.g., age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion) that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Examples include:

• Making offensive or derogatory remarks or jokes.
• Displaying offensive images or materials.
• Physical harassment, such as unwelcome touching.
• Sending inappropriate or unwanted communications.

Responsibilities

4.1 Trustees and Senior Management

• Promote a culture of respect and inclusion.
• Implement and uphold this policy across all activities.
• Act promptly on any complaints of bullying or harassment.

4.2 Employees and Volunteers

• Treat others with dignity and respect at all times.
• Report any incidents of bullying or harassment.
• Cooperate with investigations into complaints.

4.3 Contractors and Partners
All external parties working with CLEFT must adhere to this policy and behave in a manner consistent with its principles.

Prevention
CLEFT is committed to fostering a positive culture through:

• Clear Communication: Ensuring all individuals are aware of this policy and the standards expected.
• Leadership Example: Encouraging trustees and managers to lead by example and model respectful behaviour.

Reporting Bullying or Harassment

6.1 How to Report
Any individual who experiences or witnesses bullying or harassment should report the issue to:

• The Chief Operations Officer.
• The Vice Chair of Trustees, if the concern involves senior management.

Reports can be made in writing or verbally and will be treated confidentially wherever possible.

6.2 Whistleblowing
Concerns can also be raised via CLEFT’s whistleblowing procedures if the issue involves broader organisational risks.

Investigating Reports

7.1 Initial Assessment
All complaints will be acknowledged promptly and assessed to determine whether further investigation is required.

7.2 Formal Investigation
Where appropriate, a formal investigation will be conducted, which may involve:

• Appointing an impartial investigator.
• Gathering evidence, including witness statements.
• Keeping the complainant and respondent informed of progress.

7.3 Outcomes
Following the investigation, CLEFT will:

• Take appropriate disciplinary action, if necessary.
• Provide support to affected parties.
• Review organisational practices to prevent recurrence.

Confidentiality
CLEFT will handle all reports and investigations with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis to resolve the issue or as required by law.

Non-Retaliation
CLEFT strictly prohibits retaliation against individuals who report bullying or harassment in good faith or participate in an investigation. Retaliation may result in disciplinary action.

Monitoring and Review
CLEFT is committed to regularly reviewing this policy every two years to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with legal requirements and Charity Commission guidelines. Feedback from trustees, staff, and volunteers will be considered during reviews.

Download the Bullying and Harassment Policy by clicking here