Anti-bullying Policy

Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy and Procedure

Introduction
Dynamic Training UK Ltd is committed to fostering a positive environment for all learners, staff, and visitors. Dynamic Training UK Ltd operates a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment in any form. Bullying and harassment may constitute a safeguarding concern. All incidents will be considered in line with the organisation’s Safeguarding Policy where appropriate.

Aims
The aims of this policy are to ensure that:
•    Learners, staff, and visitors understand what bullying is and recognise its consequences.
•    Knowledge, policies, and procedures are established to prevent bullying incidents in any training centres or within the Dynamic Training UK Ltd community.
•    Effective measures are in place to address and resolve cases of bullying.
•    Dynamic Training UK Ltd recognises that bullying and harassment can significantly impact wellbeing, mental health and learner engagement. Appropriate support will be provided to those affected.

Preventing Bullying and Harassment
Understanding and Discussion:
•    The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and monitoring its effectiveness. 
•    Staff will receive training to identify bullying and Harassment and understand their responsibilities in addressing it.
•    Dynamic Training promotes a fair and equal society. Bullying or harassment related to protected characteristics will be taken particularly seriously in line with the Equality Act 2010. We do not tolerate homophobic, racial, or sexual bullying.

Policies and Practices
•    Staff and learners will participate in evaluating and improving policies and procedures.
•    We will ensure regular reviews and updates of existing policies.
•    Accurate records of all bullying and harassment incidents will be maintained.
•    Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities will be utilised to help staff enhance their skills and support learners in a safe and responsible manner.

Making Reporting Easier
Creating a safe and supportive environment for all members of the Dynamic Training community is essential. To effectively combat bullying and harassment, it is crucial that everyone feels empowered to report incidents. This section outlines the steps we are taking to facilitate easier reporting of bullying and harassment, ensuring that all concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately. 

We will:
•    Ensure that staff can recognise non-verbal signs and indicators of all forms of bullying and harassment.
•    Promote the message that seeking help is a sign of strength and good judgment.
•    Inform all members of the Dynamic Training community about the various ways to report bullying and harassment, including our Safeguarding processes.

Concerns can be reported to:
•    a member of staff
•    a Skills & Development Coach
•    a Designated Safeguarding Lead
 through safeguarding reporting processes

Cyberbullying
While most cases of bullying will be addressed through Dynamic Training’s existing Anti-bullying Policy, cyberbullying has unique characteristics that may require a specific response.

Key Differences:
•    Impact: The scale and scope of cyberbullying can be more extensive than other forms of bullying.
•    Targets and Perpetrators: The profiles of those involved may differ from traditional bullies and their victims.
•    Location: Cyberbullying can occur 24/7 and in any location.
•    Anonymity: Victims may not always know who is bullying them.
•    Motivation: Some learners may not realise that their actions constitute bullying.
•    Evidence: Unlike other forms of bullying, the victim often has tangible evidence of the bullying.
•    Staff Victims: Staff members can also be victims of cyberbullying, and the same responses apply to them.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a serious form of harassment. This includes behaviours such as unwelcome sexual advances, inappropriate comments or gestures, sharing explicit content without consent, or any other conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Key Considerations for Sexual Harassment Cases:
•    Impact: Sexual harassment can have a profound emotional and psychological impact on victims, often affecting their ability to participate fully in their learning or work environment.
•    Anonymity: Perpetrators may sometimes act anonymously, making it crucial to investigate thoroughly.
•    Evidence: Victims may have tangible evidence, such as messages, emails, or images, which should be preserved for investigation.

Dynamic Training will take all reports of sexual harassment seriously and ensure that investigations are handled sensitively, with a focus on protecting the victim and addressing the behaviour of the perpetrator. Early or low-level concerns relating to behaviour will be addressed promptly to prevent escalation. This may include contacting the appropriate authorities where allegations have been made.

Investigation
•    The Designated Safeguarding Lead will oversee the investigation.
•    Staff and learners should be advised to preserve evidence of bullying and harassment, including saving phone messages, recording or saving instant messenger conversations, and printing or capturing screenshots of social media interactions. Whole email messages should also be printed, saved, and forwarded to staff.
•    If images are involved, assess whether they may be illegal or raise child protection concerns, and contact the police when appropriate.
•    Identify the bully.
•    Any allegations against staff should be handled like other allegations and reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Working with the Bully and Applying Sanctions
The objectives of applying sanctions are to:
•    Help the victim feel safe again and ensure that the bullying and/or harassment stops.
•    Hold the perpetrator accountable, encouraging them to recognise the harm caused and deterring future incidents.
•    Demonstrate to the Dynamic Training community that bullying and/or harassment is unacceptable and that effective measures are in place to address it, thereby deterring others from similar behaviour.
•    Enforce sanctions for any breaches of internet or mobile phone agreements.

When applying sanctions, consider the type and impact of the bullying and/r harassment, as well as the possibility that the behaviour was unintentional or retaliatory. The outcome should include helping the bully understand the consequences of their actions and providing support to facilitate a change in their attitude and behaviour.

Supporting Victims
Dynamic Training UK Ltd will:
•    provide appropriate emotional and wellbeing support 
•    ensure the learner feels safe to continue their programme 
•    consider adjustments where required 
•    maintain confidentiality where possible 
•    monitor the situation to ensure resolution