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Human Resources

Dignity at Work

Find out more about the College's Dignity at Work policy and how to deal with harassment and bullying.

Statement on Preventing Harassment, Bullying and Hate Crime

Queen Mary is committed to creating an environment for work and study where staff and students are treated with dignity and respect, and where bullying and harassment are not tolerated. This statement reflects the Universty's approach to ensuring that its community is free from all forms of prejudice, discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Our core values shape and influence the life of our institution, guiding behaviour in all of our endeavours:

We act with integrity and to the highest ethical standards in all that we do.  

  • We adhere unequivocally to our fundamental academic mission.
  • We promote a strong collegial community through openness, listening and co-operation
  • We are diverse and inclusive, recognising talent and nurturing the best and brightest, regardless of background.
  • We support and engage with our local community, and more widely with London, the UK and internationally.
  • We foster innovation and creativity, responding to new opportunities to further our academic ambitions and our wider purpose.

In support of its values, Queen Mary takes a zero tolerance approach to all forms of behaviour from staff, students or visitors that might violate the dignity of others. Zero tolerance means that Queen Mary will never tolerate, condone or ignore bullying, harassment or hate crime of any kind.

We recognise that these behaviours can take many forms. They may be carried out face-to-face or through electronic media (cyber bullying); they may be subtle or overt abuses of power. All members of Queen Mary have a collective responsibility to encourage a culture of dignity and respect; to treat others fairly, with courtesy and consideration; and to always challenge inappropriate behaviour when it is safe to do so. Managers, tutors and supervisors have a particular responsibility to lead by example, identifying inappropriate cultures and behaviours when these occur and taking prompt action to stop or prevent them.

Any allegation of harassment, (racial or sexual), hate crime, bullying or victimisation will be treated seriously, regardless of the seniority of those involved, and anyone found to have behaved unacceptably may be the subject of disciplinary action up to and including dismissal (staff) or expulsion (students).

This statement is supported by detailed procedures and guidance for staff and students and how to access support.

The guiding principles within the general guidance are accompanied by 2 separate procedures that set out the organisational arrangements in place to support the implementation of this policy.

Queen Mary uses the Grievance Procedure for considering dignity at work issues. 

Employee Assistance Programme

If you have been affected by Dignity at Work issues and require external additional support. Queen Mary has an Employee Assistance Programme which can provide advice via a helpline. During office hours contact 01895 237071 or the 24-hour line on 0800 243458.

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