Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
Elev8 Training Limited is committed to providing a supportive, friendly, safe and positive environment free from offensive behaviour throughout all its activities.
Principles
• Bullying and harassment of any kind is not acceptable
• Elev8 Training Limited has a zero-tolerance culture, and anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to report it
• Any incident of bullying or harassment which occurs will be taken seriously, responded to promptly, and procedures followed to resolve the situation
• Elev8 Training Limited has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that, when given responsibility for individuals to provide them with the highest possible standard of care.
• It is recognised that any procedure is only as effective as the ability and skill of those who operate it. Elev8 Training Limited are therefore committed to the effective recruitment, and appropriate training for all. This will enable them to work together with other organisations to ensure that the needs and the welfare of young people remain paramount.
What is Bullying and Harassment?
Bullying and harassment are defined as any unsolicited or unwelcome act that humiliates, intimidates or undermines the individual involved, it is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying and harassment results in pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying and Harassment can be:
• Emotional, being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. threatening gestures)
• Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
• Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
• Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
• Homophobic because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality
• Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing, (including abusive text messaging or inappropriate use of social networking sites)
Indicators of Bullying
Someone may indicate by signs of behaviour that he or she is being bullied.
Children and Young People have described bullying as:
• Being called names
• Being teased
• Being hit, pushed, pulled, pinched, or kicked
• Having their bag, mobile or other possessions taken
• Receiving abusive text messages
• Being forced to hand over money
• Being forced to do things they do not want to do
• Being ignored or left out
• Being attacked because of religion, gender, sexuality, disability, appearance or ethnic or racial origin
• Being filmed/photographed on mobile phones in changing rooms
• Having information about them shared electronically (via text, email, the Internet etc)
Signs and symptoms:
• Doesn't want to attend their workplace or activities
• Changes to their usual routine
• Begins being disruptive during sessions
• Becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
• Comes home with clothes torn
• Has possessions go "missing"
• Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
• Starts stammering
• Attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
• Cry themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
• Has unexplained cuts or bruises
• Comes home starving (money / lunch has been stolen)
• Is bullying other children or siblings
• Stops eating
• Is frightened to say what's wrong
These signs and behaviour may not constitute bullying or harassment and be symptoms of other problems. All people need to be aware of these possible signs and report any concerns to the safeguarding officer:
Joseph England
Elev8 Training Limited
Space Solutions Business Centre
39 Sefton Lane Industrial Estate
Maghull
L31 8BX
Objectives of the Policy
• All people involved with Elev8 Training Limited should have an understanding of bullying.
• All those working on behalf of Elev8 Training Limited should know what the policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
• All learners should know what Elev8 Training Limited, bullying procedure is, and what they should do if bullying arises
• All learners should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
• Bullying will not be tolerated
Procedures and Management of Bullying and Harassment
Report bullying incidents to the organisation (in line with the Elev8 Training Limited Safeguarding Policy and Procedures).
Record (using the Elev8 Training Limited Incident Form).
Parents may be informed and will be asked to come into a meeting to discuss the problem.
If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted
The bullying or harassing behaviour or threats of bullying or harassment will be investigated quickly
An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour
If the situation is not or cannot be resolved through mediation, training or mentoring – it will be referred to the appropriate statutory agency or appropriate organisation.
Getting Help
• Further information or advice relating to this policy is available from the Safeguarding Lead of Elev8 Training Limited, Joseph England, Space Solutions Business Centre, 39 Sefton Lane Industrial Estate, Maghull, L31 8BX.
Email: Joe @elev8training
See the full report here.