Complaints procedure

Ideally there should be a separate complaints procedure for dealing with bullying and harassment. If there is not, it will be necessary to use the standard grievance or complaints procedure. 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. But where this is not possible, more formal measures may be necessary. The complaints procedure should therefore include an informal and a formal stage.