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School of Education and Social Work

Bullying and Unconscious Bias

 is the University’s online tool, for you to find support, report anonymously or ask to speak to an adviser in relation to topics such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination. 

Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect...

The University has appointed seven new Dignity and Respect Champions who, although they may reside within Schools, do not represent Schools or the staff within them but are available to anyone in need of advice, support and/or guidance at the University. They provide confidential and informal advice to those experiencing difficult working relationships - including bullying or harassment - or have witnessed such behaviour. They will listen, talk through the options available and, if appropriate, signpost you to appropriate sources of support and advice. Just complete the  and you will be contacted by a Champion who will arrange an initial meeting.

See also

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Other sources of information and guidance regarding bullying and harasment:

  • Policy to Prevent Harassment and Bullying at Work
  • If you are a member of a union, you may wish to consider approaching your Union Rep for advice/guidance. See the , Union,  (AUA), and  websites. 
  • Through the Chaplaincy and Meeting House, you can arrange to meet Chaplains of various denominations, including Quaker, Anglican, Methodist, Buddhist, Jewish, Orthodox, Roman Catholic and United Reform. The Lead Chaplain is Mr Christopher McDermott.
  • Sussex staff have access to the Employee Assistance Programme through partners , which enables access to individuals outside the organization. This route should be considered by those not comfortable raising issues of this nature with a line manager (or appropriate other) within their School/the University.
  • See  by Amanda Griffiths, Head of Wellbeing, Therapeutic & Residential Life Services, who is based in the Health Centre for key contacts and services for those suffering with mental distress of any kind.

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School specific support:

, the School's EDI Lead, invites all staff and Postgraduate Researchers to attend a termly "EDI Forum". This open meeting provides attendees with the opportunity to share ideas and offer feedback on new initiatives. Feedback from the Forum is shared with the "EDI Steering Group" - comprised of representatives from each Department, a professional services represenantive and a Postgraduate Researcher, along with Alka. The Steering Group agree on which actions to prioritise, share these with the School's School Leadership Team, and then take agreed initiatives forward. 

EDI is also tabled at every School Student Experience Group (SSEG) meeting which is attended by representatives from each course (Student Reps). Details of initiatives are shared with attending Student Reps for discussion, whilst also giving Student Reps the opportunity to share their own ideas if they have them. The School is currently exploring the possibility of having an EDI Student Rep, the opportunity for which will be given to all students and relevant training provided to the successful applicant.

Anyone wishing to know more about or wanting to attend the EDI Forum should look out for emails from Alka, or contact her directly: A.Townend@sussex.ac.uk. Please also contact Alka to discuss a specific EDI issue.

ACAS

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service provides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. They support good relationships between employers and employees which underpin business success. When things go wrong they can also help by providing conciliation to resolve workplace problems.  and includes links to a policy discussion paper, advice leaflets and a helpline.

The Government

. They have a guide for employees, as well as a guide for managers and employers. At the bottom of the page are links to further information about trade unions and workers' rights, contracts and working hours.

Citizen's Advice

The  which gives the definitions of these terms, advice about what to do if you feel you are being bullied or harassed at work, and information about the Equality Act and when it applies.

UNISON

See public service union, , which includes definitions, advice on 'what can be done' and on how UNISON can help you.

TUC

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is a national trade union centre, a federation of trade unions in England and Wales, and represents the majority of trade unions. See their '' at work which includes advice about what to do at work if you don't feel safe, how your employer should protect you, and what to do about bullying at work.

Bullying UK (part of Family Lives)

See , including 'relational bullying' and the impact of bullying on your emotional health.

Unconscious Bias

The University encourages all staff to undertake the 'Unconscious Bias' e-learning course to increase awareness of unconscious bias and its impact on people with protected characteristics, and to reduce discriminatory behaviour and attitudes in the workplace.