Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, including an abuse of power to undermine, humiliate or injure a person. Power does not always mean being in a position of authority, but can include both personal strength and the power to coerce through fear or intimidation.
Bullying can take the form of verbal and non-verbal conduct including postings on social media outlets. Bullying may include:
- Shouting at, being sarcastic towards, ridiculing or demeaning others;
- Psychological threats;
- Overbearing and intimidating levels of supervision;
- Inappropriate and/or derogatory remarks about someone's performance;
- Abuse of authority or power by those in positions of seniority;
- Deliberately excluding someone from meetings or communications without good reason.
Legitimate, reasonable and constructive criticism of performance or behaviour, or reasonable instructions given to staff in the course of their employment, will not amount to bullying on their own.
Bullying is contrary to the Equality Act 2010, the staff Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and the Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
If you are unsure of whether you or someone you know is experiencing Bullying, you can contact the Report + Support Team by completing a Speak to an Advisor form.
What support is available if I have experienced Bullying? (Students)
What support is available if I have experienced Bullying? (Staff)