Bullying
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving the misuse of power that can make a person feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined or threatened. 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 physical, verbal and non-verbal conduct. Non-verbal conduct includes postings on social media outlets. Bullying may include, by way of example:
- shouting at, being sarcastic towards, ridiculing or demeaning others
- physical or 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
What should I do if I have experienced bullying or disrespectful behaviour?
IDS does not tolerate bullying or disrespectful behaviour. Bullying goes against our Respect at IDS Policy.
Think
- Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone).
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere you feel safe.
- What is bullying? It might be useful to think about what constitutes bullying and how you have experienced it.
Report
- Report + Support. Staff, visitors, partners and third party contractors can report an incident at IDS using IDS's Report + Support platform. You can choose to do this anonymously or give your contact details for a direct response and support. If you're a staff member at IDS you can choose to talk to an advisor they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
- Resolution and Grievance Procedure. If you are a staff member and choose to make a formal complaint to the IDS you can also do this directly by contacting one of IDS's HR Advisors - at that stage, you will receive support and guidance about IDS's Resolution and Grievance procedure and what to expect.
- IDS's Complaints Procedure. If you are a student, partner, or third party contractor you can also complain directly using IDS's Complaints Procedure.
Get Support
- Find out what support is available if you think you are being bullied.
- Talk. Talk to your manager or cluster leader, a trusted colleague, or a friend.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Find out more on the support available for mental health and wellbeing
- Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, IDS's Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers confidential help. You can also speak to one of IDS's trained Mental Health First Aiders confidentially.