Bullying and harassment

All employees and customers have the right to respect, dignity and peace of mind at work and through the services we provide as well as protection from injury whether physical, verbal or emotional. It is the aim of Gloucester City Homes to eliminate harassment, victimisation and bullying in the workplace and in our communities.

Harassment and bullying is about intimidation - both in public and in private. It humiliates and demeans the individual, gradually eroding their sense of self-worth. Bullying undermines a person’s ability and can convince them that they are not good in themselves and are no longer good at anything. Harassment occurs where a person is subjected to unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of either:

Violating that person’s dignity or
Creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.

The behaviour can be intentional or unintentional, but it is the recipient of the behaviour who decides whether it is unacceptable.

Harassment can be repeated unwanted or unwelcome behaviour, which can cause distress and humiliation to the recipient. However, a single incident, if serious, can be defined as harassment. Incidents of harassment against employees may happen outside the workplace itself and these are included within the remit of this policy.

People can suffer harassment or be discriminated against because of their:

Race, colour or ethnic or national origin
Religious or political beliefs
Gender
Sexuality
Disability
Age
AIDS/HIV
Status as an ex-offender.

Harassment cannot be easily defined as it is more the result of how an incident has made an individual feel. Despite this, it can widely be accepted as a range of unacceptable behaviour that is felt to be demeaning, offensive and/or assaulting to the recipient, so it is possible a person may unknowingly harass another because nobody has told them that their behaviour is inappropriate in the workplace.

Bullying is about using pressure to coerce someone into doing something and the routine abuse of power. It is often systematic and persistent. The effect on victims can be devastating and affect relationships at home or at work, physical and mental health and work performance.

For more information on how GCH deals with harassment and bullying issues please email anita.pope@gloscityhomes.co.uk

Hate Crime

We are committed to tackling all forms of hate crime, and anyone found committing it is in breach of their tenancy conditions. This could lead to legal action and ultimately to loss of their home. Hate crime is a serious problem. If you or a member of your family is experiencing hate crime, we will investigate it thoroughly and do all we can to stop it. You can be a victim of hate crime because of your race, religion, disability, sexuality or gender.

For more information on how GCH can support you if you believe you are a victim of hate crime please use the following link:

Please select this link for more information about hate crime|

Domestic Abuse

We are committed to tackling all forms of domestic abuse, and anyone found committing it is in breach of their tenancy conditions. This could lead to legal action and ultimately to them losing their home. Domestic abuse is a serious problem. If you or a member of your family is experiencing domestic abuse, we will investigate it thoroughly and do all we can to stop it.

For more information on how GCH can support you if you are a victim of domestic abuse please use the following link:

Please select this link for more information about domestic abuse|.

Fairness and dignity at work policy|