Bullying is generally conduct that is:

• Offensive, intimidating, malicious, insulting, or an abuse or misuse of power, and usually persistent, that has the effect of undermining and/or humiliating.

Bullying can often be an accumulation of many small incidents over a long period of time. It could be:

• Physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct. It is not necessarily face to face and can be done by email, phone calls, online (cyber-bullying) or on social media. It may occur at work or outside work.

Whilst bullying isn’t covered under the Equality Act, bullying behaviour can amount to harassment if it’s related to certain protected characteristics. Whether it’s covered or not we take any concerns around this type of behaviour seriously.

To understand more about bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and what you should do if you are or have experienced this, please refer to our ED&I Policy for further information, help and support.