1. Purpose and scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, trustees, and anyone acting on behalf of The Healing Hubs, in any setting — including in-person activities, telephone contact, and online communications.

It sets out our commitment to preventing bullying and harassment, and explains how concerns will be handled.

2. Definitions

Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behaviour — an abuse or misuse of power — that makes a person feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined, or threatened.

Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic (such as age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation) that has the purpose or effect of violating a person's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

Examples include: persistent criticism, exclusion, spreading rumours, offensive jokes, unwanted physical contact, or inappropriate use of social media.

3. Our commitments

We will treat all reports of bullying and harassment seriously and investigate them promptly and confidentially.

We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

We will take appropriate action where bullying or harassment is found to have occurred, which may include disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or removal from a volunteer role.

4. Responsibilities

All staff and volunteers are responsible for treating others with dignity and respect, and for reporting concerns promptly.

Team Managers are responsible for responding to concerns raised within their teams and for escalating serious matters to the Board.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing this policy and ensuring it is applied consistently.

5. How to raise a concern

If you experience or witness bullying or harassment, you should report it as soon as possible.

In the first instance, speak to your Team Manager or, if the concern involves your Team Manager, contact the Chair of Trustees at [email protected].

You may also report concerns in writing to [email protected], marked "Confidential — Bullying & Harassment".

All concerns will be acknowledged within five working days and investigated in accordance with our Complaints Policy.

6. Confidentiality

All reports will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality. Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to investigate and resolve the matter.

7. Support

Anyone who has experienced bullying or harassment will be offered appropriate support throughout the process.

We encourage anyone affected to speak to a trusted colleague, Team Manager, or the Chair of Trustees.

8. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees, or sooner if required by changes in legislation or organisational circumstances.