I have been accused of bullying or harassment

Being accused of bullying or harassment

If someone approaches you informally about your behaviour, do not dismiss the complaint out of hand because you were only joking or you think the complainant is being too sensitive. Remember that different people find different things acceptable and unacceptable, and individuals should recognise and respect each other's tolerances in that regard.  Allow the person to explain why their behaviour has caused concern or upset and seek to understand their feelings.  You may have offended someone without intending to. If that is the case, the person concerned may be satisfied with an explanation and an apology from you and an assurance that you will be careful in future not to behave in a way that you now know may cause offence. 

If a formal complaint is made about your behaviour, we may need to investigate this and depending on the nature of the complaint/findings of any investigation, this may leaf to disciplinary action under our staff procedures.  

You must not victimise a person who has made a complaint in good faith against you or anyone who has supported them in making the complaint or given evidence in relation to such a complaint. Disciplinary action will be taken against you if we have good reason to believe that you may have victimised the complainant or someone else. 

If the complaint against you is not upheld, HR will support you, the complainant and your manager(s) in making arrangements for you both to continue or resume working and to help repair working relationships. 

We acknowledge that being accused of bullying or harassment can be a worrying and stressful time – see sources of support/advice below.

Trade Unions 

If you’re a member of a trade union, you can speak to your trade union representative who can provide support and advice.  Please access information on Trade Unions to find out more.

The University’s Employee Assistance Programme provides a confidential and impartial advice service which is free for University employees.  You can access this service whenever you need to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by telephone or by downloading the App or requesting contact through the online health portal.  

External sources of support/guidance ​​​​​​​