Definitions and Procedures

Harassment

Harassment is any unwanted physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct based on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation which affects the dignity of anyone at work or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, an unwelcome request for sexual favours or any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Such conduct includes making a statement of a sexual nature to a person, or in the presence of a person, whether the statement is made orally or in writing. Harassment on the grounds of sex is any unwelcome conduct of a seriously demeaning nature and includes making a statement to a person, or in the presence of a person, whether the statement is made orally or in writing.

A single incident of unwanted or offensive behaviour can amount to harassment.

Harassment can take many forms and individuals may not always realise that their
behaviour constitutes harassment. Examples of harassment include:

– insensitive jokes and pranks including inappropriate comments based on sex
– lewd or abusive comments about appearance
– asking intrusive personal questions based on a person’s sex
– deliberate exclusion from conversations
– displaying abusive or offensive writing or material
– unwelcome sexual advance, or an unwelcome request for sexual favours
– unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature
– unwelcome touching and
– abusive, threatening, or insulting words or behaviour.

These examples are not exhaustive and disciplinary action at the appropriate level will be taken against employees committing any form of harassment.