No bullying at Flinders

Flinders does not tolerate any form of bullying by, or of, any member of the University community.

It is the responsibility of the University to provide a safe environment for work and study, which includes an environment free of bullying. The University will act to investigate and address any incidents of bullying, as the case may reasonably require, that come to its attention, and ensure that those in managerial, supervisory or teaching roles make themselves aware of the potential for bullying to occur and to put controls in place to prevent it.

What is bullying?

Bullying defines persistent or ongoing behaviours directed towards an individual or group that a reasonable person, having regard to the circumstances, would find offensive, intimidating, humiliating or threatening and that potentially or actually affects health and well-being.

What can I do if I'm being bullied?

Understand what is happening and where you can get support

Read the Bullying prevention and management policy and procedure to:

Help you understand Flinders' approach to bullying
Locate avenues for further information and support both within Flinders and in the general community, and
Locate the relevant grievance procedure
Reflect on your own behaviour

Name the behaviours you are experiencing

Name the behaviours that you find offensive, imtimidating, humiliating or threatening (naming the behaviours will assist in identifying strategies to address them – much more helpful than simply reporting 'I'm being bullied').

Make diary notes

Make diary notes when those behaviours are experienced and the context within which they occur (e.g. in private, in public, during 1:1 discussions) and record any witness to demonstrate the 'persistant and ongoing' nature.

Take 'appropriate & relevant action' with a focus on restoring a professional relationship

The 'appropriate and relevant action' will depend on the situation and on the power of balance of the parties, but could include:

Stand firm if you come under verbal attack
Walk away from any physical threat
Tell the perpetrator you will not put up with being spoken to in that way, but be aware that they are likely to be at their worst when they feel under pressure so choose a least stressful time to approach them
Remain confident in your own judgement and ability
Speak with a more senior person about the behaviours you are experiencing
Avoid being alone with the perpetrator
Contact the identified support services to practice strategies that will help your reactions to the situation and enable you to respond better

You might prefer to discuss the consequences of any of these actions with one of the identified support services before implementing.

Consider taking more formal action

Speak with any of the identified contacts for options available to you
Refer to the grievance procedure

Remember: At Flinders University, allegations of bullying will be taken seriously and managed according to the situation, the context and the people involved with a primary focus on restoring a professional relationship.

Bullying Prevention and Management policy

Bullying Prevention and Management guidelines

Assistance

If you require assistance for being bullied, we recommend that you contact one of our Equal Opportunity Contact Officers.

The officers are there to provide several services, including confidential support to staff or students involved in a complaint of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or bullying. They will also be a source of support through the resolution process.

Equal Opportunity Contact Officers