Complaints procedure

Ideally there should be a separate complaints procedure for dealing with bullying and harassment, not least because the harassment may be from the members’ line manager who is often the person a problem is raised with in the first instance in a grievance procedure. UNISON says: “Bullying or harassment should not be treated as just another standard grievance; it is a serious issue and must be treated as such”. Targets of bullying need a “safe” reporting procedure which protects them from possible retribution, while ensuring a fair hearing of their case.

The procedure needs to give bullies the opportunity to change their behaviour, particularly if they were unaware that their actions could be construed as bullying or harassment. Where this is not possible, more formal measures may be necessary. The complaints procedure should therefore include an informal and a formal stage.