Introducing the Worker Protection Act
22 Oct 2024
Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all
From Saturday, 26 October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 will come into force, placing a proactive duty on all employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
At the University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and safe environment where everyone feels able to speak up and get support when something isn’t right. The introduction of this Act serves as a valuable opportunity to raise awareness and promote all our training, policies and support tools in place to enable employees and students to report any form of bullying or harassment. They include:
Report and Support (online reporting tool)
Report and Support is an online tool for confidential reporting of bullying, harassment, discrimination, gender-based violence, hate, micro-aggressions, or safeguarding concerns.
You can submit reports anonymously or seek help from trained advisors. It also directs employees, students, visitors, and others to appropriate support for issues they’ve experienced or witnessed, including sexual harassment.
- For more information on reporting options and available support visit resolving issues at work.
Training
To prevent bullying and harassment from occurring, it’s vital that everyone understands what it is. All colleagues are reminded of the relevant training modules:
By December 2024, we will be launching our Sexual Harassment training, an Elearning module available through Blackboard to ensure all colleagues can recognise inappropriate behaviours, prevent them from happening, and understand what to do to address and report sexual harassment should it occur. This will be essential training for all colleagues and new starters. Colleagues will be auto enrolled into this training and will be notified when it is available.
Dignity at Work and Study Policy
All colleagues are reminded of our current Dignity at Work and Study Policy which sets out the University’s expectations regarding acceptable behaviour in line with Our Values.
As part of this continuous improvement, a working group has been established to review the current Dignity at Work and Study Policy, and over the coming months, we will be engaging with relevant stakeholders including Trade Union and Students’ Union colleagues to consult and seek input into a revised policy and transparent and robust reporting procedures for employees and students.
Safe Zone App
All colleagues are encouraged to download SafeZone App. This mobile app is designed to help keep you safe and give extra peace of mind across campuses in the city.
We also have a range of wellbeing support for colleagues including:
- Employee Assistance Programme - a confidential and independent counselling and information service. Support is free and confidential.
- Counselling Services - offers a range of workshops, groups, 1-1 appointments and other resources to help colleagues.