Print

Print


Hi Jane

Good to see you are promoting the issue of bullying and harassment.  As you
know, this is my specialist area and I have to say, I hate the expression
zero tolerance as it seems to extend not just to the behaviour but to the
perpetrators as well.  It is crucial that we help and support targets of
bullying and harassment, but my work also involves coaching abrasive
managers to understand the impact of their behaviour and to change their
approach to staff - happy to discuss with you if this would be helpful.

I know that zero tolerance is a recognised term, but I much prefer the
positive connotations of dignity at work/study which is an aspiration for
appropriate behaviour.  I can't help feeling much of the work around
bullying and harassment is overly focused on the negatives (ie what we don't
want) rather than the type of culture we are actually hoping to promote.

Just my opinion of course - I understand that other people will perceive
things differently.

Best wishes

Jill

 

 

From: HEEON equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Jane Tope
Sent: 27 February 2013 13:47
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Zero tolerance campaign

 

Hi folks,

Have any of you run a zero tolerance ( to harassment and bullying ) campaign
at your universities?

 

I am working with the Guild of Students here, at the University of
Birmingham, to promote a zero tolerance approach, and intend to follow the
events we're staging with a report on what we find. I have spoken to a
number of staff and students and am considering publishing some case studies
of departments where staff and students feel valued and happy, as examples
of good practice. We have used a map of the campus and local area to help
staff and student identify where they might have experienced problems. So,
the campaign is highlighting experiences at work and study, as well as more
generally in the wider environment.

 

It is a sensitive topic, and I have had some discussion with the unions here
. Just wondered if anyone has experience of trying this?

Thanks

Jane 

 

Jane Tope

Equality and Diversity Adviser for Students

University of Birmingham

0121 414 3247