Page content

The aim of these guidelines is to assist and support any student who believes they may be being subjected to harassment or bullying whilst on a work-based learning placement. They aim to define harassment and bullying, to outline the rights and responsibilities of both students and the University in such circumstances, and to point students towards the appropriate sources of advice.

It is widely recognised that both bullying and harassment detract from a productive working and learning environment and can affect the health, integrity, confidence, morale and performance of those affected by it, including those who witness or know about such unwanted behaviour. This can have a direct impact on the motivation and attendance of staff and students, and consequently on the productivity and economic efficiency of the organisation. It therefore makes sense for employers to have a policy on Bullying and Harassment and to know how to respond to complaints.

Harassment in any form is unacceptable behaviour and should not be permitted or condoned by any employer. Sexual, sectarian and racial harassment and harassment on the grounds of disability or sexual orientation constitute discrimination and are unlawful under the sex discrimination, fair employment, race relations and disability and sexual orientation legislation. Harassment is also a criminal offence under the Protection from Harassment (NI) Order 1997 and it may contravene the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978. Moreover since October 2006 harassment on the grounds of age is also unlawful.

Your Responsibilities whilst on a Work-based Learning Placement

As an employee at your work-based learning organisation, you have a responsibility to comply with the policies and procedures of that organisation. This includes the Policy on Bullying and/or Harassment, where one exists. You also have a personal responsibility to help to ensure a working environment in which the dignity of employees is respected.

If the employer does not have a formal policy on bullying and/or harassment you should ascertain if there is a grievance procedure or other formal complaints procedure, Harassment is likely to be covered by legislation, whether or not a formal policy exists.

In the course of your induction in your work placement make sure you obtain a copy of all relevant policies, including a policy on bullying and harassment, if the organisation has one. It is recognised that smaller organisations may not have formal policies and procedures but this will not preclude you from making a complaint should you need to at a later stage.

You should discourage bullying and harassment by making it clear that you find such behaviour unacceptable and by supporting colleagues (including a fellow student) who suffer such treatment. Anyone being subjected to bullying or harassment, or who is aware of any such incidents (or alleged incidents) is encouraged to alert a manager, industrial supervisor to any incident of bullying or harassment to enable the organisation to deal with the matter.

As an employee you also have a responsibility towards your colleagues and if you witness an incident of bullying or harassment you may be required to give a statement and to be interviewed in the course of an investigation.

Your Rights

Whether or not the organisation has a formal policy for dealing with such matters you have the right to work in an environment which is free from any form of bullying or harassment. You also have a right to raise a complaint should you feel you are being bullied and harassed, and to expect the organisation to deal with that complaint appropriately.

Ultimately you also have legal rights under the various pieces of legislation referred to in the Introduction.

The University’s Responsibilities

The University has a responsibility to you whilst you are a student. In the periods other than those covered by work placements, this responsibility is outlined by the University Policy on Bullying and Harassment.

Whilst you are on a work placement the University continues to have a duty of care for you but as you are an employee of another organisation, internal University policies are not applicable. However University staff are still available to give you advice and assistance should you feel your are the victim of either harassment or bullying within your work placement organisation.

What to do if you feel you may be being harassed or bullied in your work placement

Firstly, you should be aware that you do not have to deal with the situation on your own. There are a number of sources of help.

Bullying and Harassment Advisors

Bullying and Harassment Advisors have been appointed to provide students (and staff) with advice and assistance.

Advice from Academic Staff

Academic staff will deal with queries about bullying and harassment confidentially, unless and until you want them to involve a third party. Making a complaint or enquiring about the process for dealing with bullying or harassment will have no effect on your marks.

All academic staff are required to attend a basic equality awareness training/development. These guidelines have also been disseminated to all placement tutors and academic supervisors and other staff involved in work based and placement learning so that they will know how to respond to a request for advice from you.

A member of University staff cannot resolve a complaint of bullying or harassment on your behalf because they would have no jurisdiction to do so in the organisation in which you are employed.

However they will provide you with advice about the steps open to you. For example, they can assist you to find out if there are procedures in place in the organisation.

They should signpost you to the right person in the organisation who will know how such matters are dealt with. They also can accompany you to any meetings in connection with your complaint to offer you support.

They can also give you details about university counselling services.

Inspire Counselling

At any stage you can contact Inspire. This free and confidential service can be accessed by calling: 0800 800 0002 (365 days a year, 24 hour Freephone service)

Or for more information visit: Inspire

Students Union

You may also wish to contact the Students’ Union for advice and support. Both staff and officers have received training in the University’s Bullying and Harassment Policy and can assist you in dealing with these issues. Contact details are available at Ulster University Students' Union

Final Note

Your placement year should be a valuable, fulfilling and enjoyable experience and in all likelihood yours will be just this.

The majority of work-based placements are completed successfully without any issues arising in relation to harassment or bullying.

However theses guidelines have been drawn up to assist you, in the unlikely event that you find yourself in a position where you feel you may be subject to behaviour of this kind.