Support and advice

Policies dealing with sexual harassment should include a range of information about the support and advice services available to that workforce. All policies should encourage members to contact their union for assistance and advice.

At the University of Aberdeen, a policy drawn up in conjunction with the campus unions highlights the different types of advice and support on offer to anyone being harassed. As well as signposting people to the union rep and the in-house mediation team, the university staff also have access to “wellbeing coordinators”.

Some employers offer counselling through their Occupational Health Service, whereas others provide access to a free phone helpline giving 24-hour access to telephone counselling and personal legal information. Norfolk County Council has trained harassment support officers to offer support and guidance to employees and they may also intercede on behalf of an employee to attempt to stop harassing behaviour recurring.