Dignity at work policy
The Dignity at Work policy is in place to ensure we foster a culture of inclusion and belonging at St George’s, in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
The policy outlines the behavioural expectations we have of all staff employed by the University, including the behaviours that are not tolerated at our institution such as bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation. The policy also outlines how staff can raise and report concerns, as well as where staff can seek support and guidance.
Routes for staff to raise concerns
Informally discussing concerns
We recognise that some staff may not feel ready or able to report incidents of bullying, harassment or discrimination and understand staff may value a confidential space to seek guidance and support. Therefore we have provided the option for staff to have an informal conversation with a trained member of staff to talk about what they have experienced or witnessed and to receive support and guidance . This conversation will remain confidential and aims to provide a non-judgemental space for staff to talk about their experiences before deciding whether to take any further action. The staff member can discuss the reporting options available to them and receive support and guidance on their next steps. There is no expectation that staff must take action to raise their concern further after this conversation unless they wish to. Below is a list of individuals who staff can go to for these informal discussions. More information is outlined in the Dignity at Work policy.
Please note, the individuals listed above can only support employees in this initial informal stage; they would not be able to go through the grievance procedure process with an individual, or take an issue forward on an employee’s behalf.
Reporting concerns
Where staff decide they wish to report a concern or complaint, they can do so via our Grievance Procedure. The aim of this procedure is to provide a fair and consistent approach in line with the principles of natural justice.
We seek to support and encourage staff to report any incidents of bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation. If staff have questions about processes and options for reporting concerns, they can speak with their HR Business Partner in confidence or contact one of the individuals listed above for an informal conversation.
How we are monitoring trends and prevelance
Information on prevelance and trends of incidents of bullying, harassment and discrimination are essential to our understanding of staff experience at St George's.
Data on the number and type of formally reported cases (anonymised), level of action and outcomes is reported annually to Council, Executive Board and the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group.
We recognise that many incidents are not reported, which often means that data fails to represent the prevelance of incidents. We therefore also monitor the number of staff members who use the informal conversations provision as well as general themes. This monitoring ensures that confidentiality and anonymity is maintained but that the University has a better understanding of prevelance and trends. This information is also reported to the above groups.
More information on monitoring trends and prevelance is included in the Dignity at Work policy.
Support
Employees can contact Human Resources by emailing hrhelp@sgul.ac.uk or speak directly to any member of HR who will be able to advise of next steps.
Employees can also speak with Sanjana Panchagnula, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Adviser.
Trade unions members (UCU, Unite or BMA) can find contact information via the website.
If employees would like to talk confidentially to someone, St George’s, University of London has a counselling service that can be contacted by email or 020 8725 3625.
External support
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Employees can also contact Confidential Care (an independent service) for counselling and emotional support on 0800 085 1376 or assist@cic-eap.co.uk. Download the EAP leaflet (PDF) for more information. (You can also visit Well Online and log in using username: sglogin password: wellbeing).
For guidance and advice on bullying and harassment in employment, employees can contact ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) helpline - 0300 123 1100.
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you – call 116 123.
Mind provides information on a range of topics including:
- types of mental health problems
- where to get help
- medication and alternative treatments
- advocacy.
Lines are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays) 0300 123 3393, info@mind.org.uk, Text: 86463
Specialist support for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. For urgent advice and appointments. 020 3299 6900.
Webchat and helpline available for women over the age of 16 who have experienced sexual violence. 0808 802 9999 (between 12pm and 2.30pm or 7pm to 9.30pm every day of the year).
Solace Women’s Aid offers free advice and support to women and children in London to build safe and strong lives. Futures free from abuse and violence. 0808 802 5565.
0808 802 9999
12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day of the year operated by Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC).
Open 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday – 0345 600 0459.
Free and confidential support to help you deal with your experience, whether or not you report the crime. Support also for witnesses of crime. 0808 168 9111.
National online helpline, individual and group counselling for boys, men and non-binary people aged 13+ who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.
Women’s Aid is a national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children. They support a network of over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the UK.
UK-based, umbrella women's organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and Minoritised women and girls i.e. women which are defined in policy terms as Black and 'Minority Ethnic' (BME).
0808 2000 247. 24-hour helpline operated by Women’s Aid and Refuge.
Refuge is a UK charity offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence.
0808 802 0300. 9.30am-4pm weekdays (except Wed 1pm-4pm)
0800 5999 247. Operated by Karma Nirvana, the helpline is unique as those who call have the option to speak to a survivor whose experience is invaluable in supporting the caller’s decision making process.
Providing the national helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people experiencing domestic violence. 0800 99 5428 (Mon, Tues & Fri 10am-5pm, Wed & Thur 10am-8pm)
0808 801 0327. The Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men – in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.
0808 802 4040. Phoneline for people who are concerned about their abusive behaviour towards a partner or family member.
Advice, advocacy and support to Black (Asian and African-Caribbean) women experiencing violence and abuse and other forms of inequality.
Provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.
Free and confidential support to help you deal with your experience, whether or not you report the crime. Support also for witnesses of crime. 0808 168 9111.
Support for victims of anti-Muslim hate and is a public service which also measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents.
Support for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people including advice and information on work, health, wellbeing, and rights.
Support and reporting mechanism for antisemitism and related behaviour.
Providing the national helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people experiencing hate crime. 0800 99 5428 (Mon, Tues & Fri 10am-5pm, Wed & Thur 10am-8pm)