Harassment & Anti-Bullying Policy

1. Our standard

EDU Archives Tutors does not tolerate any form of harassment, bullying, intimidation, or victimisation — by, against, or in relation to any employee, candidate, client, parent, student or third party. Behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment is unacceptable and will be challenged. This applies on placements, in our office, online, at events, and in any communication carried out in connection with EDU Archives Tutors.

2. Definitions

Harassment, under the Equality Act 2010, is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of violating dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. It can be physical, verbal, written, or online.

Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour — or an abuse or misuse of power — that undermines, humiliates or injures the recipient. Bullying may not be tied to a protected characteristic but is treated equally seriously.

Victimisation is treating someone less favourably because they have raised a concern or supported someone else's concern. Victimisation is itself unlawful.

3. Examples

The following are non-exhaustive examples of behaviour treated as harassment or bullying:

• Offensive jokes, banter or remarks about race, religion, sex, disability, sexuality, age or other protected characteristics
• Persistent unwanted contact (including digital)
• Sexual comments, inappropriate touching, unwanted advances
• Public humiliation, shouting, undermining in front of others
• Spreading malicious rumours or making baseless accusations
• Cyber-bullying via email, messaging, social media or platform comments
• Aggressive or threatening behaviour, including by clients or parents

4. Reporting

Anyone experiencing or witnessing harassment, bullying or victimisation in connection with EDU Archives Tutors is encouraged to raise it as soon as possible:

• Your line manager (where applicable)
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) where the concern involves a child or adult at risk
• The Director of Operations for all other concerns
• Email: info@eduarchivestutor.com

5. Informal route

Where the complainant prefers, an informal resolution may be attempted — for example, a facilitated conversation, written notice that the behaviour is unwelcome, or a change in working arrangements. Informal resolution is never required.

6. Formal investigation

If the matter is not resolved informally (or the complainant chooses to proceed formally), we open a formal investigation. The investigator is independent of the parties involved. Both complainant and respondent are given the opportunity to give their account, present evidence and respond to findings. We aim to complete formal investigations within 28 working days.

7. Sanctions

Substantiated harassment or bullying may result in: a written warning, removal from a specific placement, suspension or removal from the EDU Archives Tutors register, dismissal where the conduct constitutes gross misconduct, and referral to relevant regulators or statutory bodies.

8. Third-party harassment

We treat harassment of our staff or candidates by third parties — including school staff, parents, or members of the public — as seriously as harassment by colleagues. We will support staff and candidates in raising concerns, will speak to the third party directly, and may withdraw services if behaviour is not addressed.

9. Confidentiality and protection

Concerns are handled confidentially. Victimisation of anyone for raising a concern in good faith — including by colleagues, managers or clients — is itself a serious breach of this policy and treated as such.