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New College policies

Royal College of Psychiatrists, 17 Belgrave Square, London SW1x 8PG

The College has always been committed to providing a supportive working environment for all of its employees. Council has recently approved a formal College policy providing protection from harassment in employment. The policy specifically covers sexual and racial harassment and bullying in the context of working relationships, not only between employees of the College, but also between College Members and employees.

Sexual and racial harassment

Harassment may be defined as inappropriate behaviour, actions, comments or physical contact that is objectionable or causes offence. Harassment can take many forms, from that which may appear relatively minor (e.g. a single insensitive comment) to the more serious (e.g. persistent offensive remarks, physical contact or abuse). What is acceptable to one person may not be to another, so the issue is not one of intention, but of the effect the actions or behaviour of an individual or individuals have on another individual or group.

Bullying

Bullying is persistent, abusive, intimidating, malicious or offensive behaviour and/or abuse of power which makes the target feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable and which undermines their self-confidence. While it is unpleasant to be the recipient of someone's occasional aggressive behaviour, such behaviour would normally be considered to fall outside the definition of bullying or harassment.

Resolution

1. If an employee feels that he or she has been the victim of harassment, they are advised to make it clear to the harasser either verbally or in writing, explaining the distress which the unacceptable behaviour is causing and that it must stop.
   
2. Where informal methods fail or where serious harassment occurs, employees are advised to seek the assistance of the Head of Central Secretariat and Personnel who may be able to resolve the matter or who can assist in invoking the College's grievance procedure.
   
3. The College will treat seriously any breaches of this policy and all instances of actual or alleged inappropriate behaviour will be fully investigated and appropriate action taken. If an allegation is made by a College employee against a College member, the Registrar will be involved in any investigation.
   

This is a summary of the main provisions of the policy. Further information is available from the Head of Central Secretariat and Personnel.

This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit an eLetter Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Wheeler, R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Wheeler, R.