Harassment and Bullying Policy

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Good Karma Assistance Dogs CIC (“the Organisation”) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, service users, and visitors. 

Harassment and bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. This policy outlines our commitment to preventing and addressing any instances of harassment or bullying within the Organisation.

• All employees and volunteers
   
• Contractors, consultants, and temporary staff
   
• Clients, service users, and members of the public in contact with the Organisation
   
• Activities on or off site, including work-related social events and digital communications

Unwanted, offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behaviour that undermines, humiliates, or injures the person targeted. It can be persistent or a one-off incident. Examples include:

• Verbal abuse, shouting, or threats
   
• Ridiculing or belittling someone
   
• Intentionally excluding someone
   
• Misuse of power or position

Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 that has the purpose or effect of violating someone's dignity or creating a hostile environment. Protected characteristics include:

• Age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
   
• Examples include: offensive jokes, inappropriate comments, displaying offensive material, or repeated unwanted contact

 Good Karma Assistance Dogs CIC will:

• Treat all complaints seriously and sensitively
   
• Take prompt action to investigate and, if necessary, take disciplinary action
   
• Support those who report bullying or harassment
   
• Promote a culture of dignity, respect, and inclusion

 In some cases, individuals may feel comfortable raising issues directly with the person concerned. They may ask them to stop the behaviour and explain how it made them feel. 

If informal resolution is not appropriate or effective, individuals should raise the issue with deputy safeguarding officer or the designated safeguarding officer. A written complaint may be required. Complaints will be investigated confidentially and thoroughly. 

• Investigations will be handled fairly, promptly, and with discretion
   
• Both the complainant and the alleged perpetrator will have the opportunity to present their account
   
• Outcomes may include mediation, disciplinary action, training, or dismissal in serious cases
   
• Retaliation against a person for reporting harassment or bullying is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action

We recognise that experiencing or witnessing harassment or bullying can be distressing. Support will be available through:

• designated safeguarding officers or deputy safeguarding officer
   
• External counselling or advisory services where possiable
   

• Promote a positive culture
   
• Address and report incidents promptly
   
• Lead by example
   

• Treat others with dignity and respect
   
• Speak up against inappropriate behaviour
   
• Cooperate in investigations when needed
   

 This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in the law or organisational structure.