Bullying Policy

This policy outlines a lack of tolerance for bullying as well as the procedures to follow in the event bullying happens.

Bullying at work occurs when:

A person or group repeatedly behaves unreasonably towards a worker or group of workers and the behavior creates a risk to health and safety.
Examples of bullying include:

• Behaving aggressively
• Teasing or playing practical jokes
• Pressuring someone to behave inappropriately
• Exclusion from work-related events
• Unreasonable work demands
  

It's important to have a bullying policy for several reasons:

• Creating a Safe Environment: A bullying policy helps ensure a safe and respectful environment. This is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
• Legal Compliance: Australian law require organisations to prevent and address workplace bullying. Having a formal policy helps ensure compliance with these legal obligations and protects the organisation from potential legal issues.
• Protecting Mental Health: Bullying can have severe impacts on mental health. A clear policy helps prevent bullying and provides support for those affected.
• Reputation: A strong anti-bullying stance makes the organisation more attractive to potential staff, volunteers and donors by showing the organisation values and protects its personnel.
• Retention: By addressing and preventing bullying, the organisation can improve retention, reducing turnover and the associated costs of recruitment and training.
• Productivity: A safe and supportive work environment leads to higher morale and productivity.
  

This is an ongoing policy, bullying in any form should not be tolerated at any time.