Anti-Harassment Policy

As a registered charity, [Charity name] is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
This Anti-Harassment Policy sets out the Charity’s zero-tolerance approach to harassment and explains how concerns will be prevented, reported, and addressed.

The Trustees recognise that harassment undermines wellbeing, equality, effective governance, and public trust, and are committed to taking all reasonable steps to prevent and address it.

Purpose of the Policy

1.1 The purpose of this Policy is to:

Prevent harassment in all areas of the Charity’s work.
Promote a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusion.
Provide clear guidance on reporting and addressing harassment.
Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

1.2 This Policy supports fair treatment, safeguarding, and accountability.

Scope of the Policy

2.1 This Policy applies to:

Trustees.
Employees.
Volunteers.
Members (where applicable).
Contractors, consultants, and third parties acting on behalf of the Charity.

2.2 It applies to harassment occurring:

On Charity premises.
During Charity activities or events.
In digital or online environments.
In any context connected to the Charity.

Definition of Harassment

3.1 Harassment is defined as:

Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic, or any unwanted conduct of a personal or intimidating nature, that violates an individual’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

3.2 Harassment may be:

A single serious incident, or
A pattern of repeated behaviour.

Forms of Harassment

4.1 Harassment may include, but is not limited to:

Verbal abuse, jokes, or comments.
Unwanted physical contact.
Bullying, intimidation, or threats.
Offensive images, messages, or online content.
Sexual harassment or unwanted advances.
Harassment related to protected characteristics under equality legislation.

4.2 Harassment may occur intentionally or unintentionally and may be carried out in person or remotely.

Principles and Standards of Behaviour

5.1 The Charity is guided by the following principles:

Zero tolerance of harassment.
Respect, dignity, and fairness for all.
Prompt and proportionate action.
Confidentiality and sensitivity.
Protection from victimisation.

5.2 All individuals are expected to behave in a professional, respectful, and lawful manner.

Responsibilities

6.1 Trustees

6.1.1 The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for:

Approving and overseeing this Policy.
Ensuring appropriate procedures and resources are in place.

6.2 Managers and Supervisors

6.2.1 Where applicable, managers or supervisors must:

Promote respectful behaviour.
Act promptly when concerns are raised.
Support individuals affected by harassment.

6.3 All Individuals

6.3.1 All individuals must:

Treat others with respect.
Refrain from harassment.
Report concerns promptly.

Reporting Harassment

7.1 Anyone who experiences or witnesses harassment is encouraged to report it as soon as possible.

7.2 Reports may be made to:

A manager or supervisor.
A designated officer.
The Chair of Trustees or another Trustee where appropriate.

7.3 Reports may be made confidentially, and anonymous reports will be considered where practicable.

Informal Resolution

8.1 Where appropriate and with consent, harassment concerns may be addressed informally.

8.2 Informal resolution may include:

Facilitated discussion.
Clarification of behaviour and expectations.

8.3 Informal resolution is not appropriate where:

The matter is serious.
Safeguarding concerns exist.
The individual does not feel safe.

Formal Investigation and Action

9.1 Where informal resolution is not appropriate or unsuccessful, the matter will be addressed formally.

9.2 Formal procedures will:

Be fair, impartial, and timely.
Give all parties the opportunity to be heard.
Be documented appropriately.

9.3 Outcomes may include:

Corrective or disciplinary action.
Training or support measures.
Other proportionate actions.

Safeguarding and Serious Allegations

10.1 Where harassment involves:

Children or vulnerable adults.
Sexual misconduct or serious harm.

10.2 Safeguarding procedures take precedence, and relevant authorities may be informed where required.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

11.1 All harassment concerns will be:

Handled sensitively and confidentially.
Shared only on a need-to-know basis.

11.2 Information will be processed in accordance with data protection legislation.

Protection from Victimisation

12.1 The Charity will not tolerate victimisation of anyone who:

Raises a concern in good faith.
Assists with an investigation.

12.2 Victimisation will be treated as a serious matter.

Support and Wellbeing

13.1 The Charity recognises that harassment can be distressing.

13.2 Appropriate support will be offered to individuals affected, including guidance, supervision, or signposting to support services.

Training and Awareness

14.1 The Charity will:

Promote awareness of this Policy.
Provide training where appropriate.

14.2 All individuals are responsible for familiarising themselves with this Policy.

Governance and Responsibility

15.1 The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for anti-harassment governance.

15.2 Day-to-day management may be delegated, but accountability remains with the Trustees.

Monitoring and Review

16.1 This Policy will be reviewed:

At least annually, or
Following changes in law, guidance, or Charity activities.

16.2 Any amendments must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Conclusion

By adhering to this Anti-Harassment Policy, [Charity name] ensures a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, protects the dignity and wellbeing of all individuals, and upholds high standards of conduct, governance, and public trust.

Signed: ………………………………………
Chair of the Board of Trustees

Date: ………………………………………

Charity Policy templates

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Disclaimer:

Naail & Co provides these policy templates solely as guidelines or standard templates to assist charities in developing their own policies in accordance with Charity Commission England & Wales compliance. These templates are not intended to serve as legal or professional advice, and Naail & Co cannot be held responsible or liable for any outcomes arising from their use. It is essential that each registered charity carefully tailors and customizes these policies to reflect its specific needs, structure, and legal obligations. We strongly recommend that charities seek independent legal or professional advice to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

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