Since the launch of the Dignity and Respect Policy last year, a lot of work has been done across the University to bring the policy to life and to ensure we are a kind and inclusive campus.
To build on the policy we have developed a Dignity and Respect charter, which sets out the behaviours and standards we expect as an institution.
We also recruited seven new Dignity Champions, a group of trained individuals from across the University who will be able to provide confidential and informal advice to those who feel they are experiencing difficult working relationships, including bullying or harassment, or who have witnessed such behaviour. They can listen, talk through the options available and, if appropriate, signpost to other sources of support and advice.
Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell, sponsor of the Dignity and Respect Policy, said: “This is an important step in the journey for us in our Build on Strengths aims: to promote and enable an inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.
“More so now than ever, we need to be kind and respectful towards each other. There is never an excuse for falling short of these standards.
“While we are keen to tackle issues of bullying and harassment, we must also remember to be inclusive and respectful in the way in which we engage with colleagues when we are stressed.
“For many of us, not being physically present can be really challenging and it can become easier to feel invisible when people don’t respond or for feelings to escalate.
“We should all check ourselves and make sure we are treating each other with respect.”
Managers will be offered training in dignity and respect and all staff will have access to online learning.
You can find more information about the Dignity Champions, how you can request a meeting with a champion, and information on learning on our webpages.