Behaviours

The 2013 results highlighted some unacceptable behaviours within the University, including a numerically small, but concerning, set of comments about discrimination and bullying. 32% of staff said they always or frequently felt stress and that this had an impact on their ability to do their job.

A group has been established, led by Professor Clive Agnew, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students and Will Spinks, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, and has identified four main themes:

• The way we interact with our colleagues
• Stress and Wellbeing
• Dignity at Work
• Supporting staff with disabilities

A five year action plan has been put together to address these issues, and a number of positive actions have already taken place:

• A review of the Stress at Work Policy has been completed and has resulted in a new policy for Management of Stress at Work, which will soon be incorporated as a chapter in the University Health and Safety Arrangements documentation. To support the policy, Guidance on the Management of Work-Related Stress and a Stress Assessment Tool have been produced to assist managers in the reduction and prevention of work related stress and will be promoted to staff.
• Our Dignity at Work Policy has been reviewed and was launched in Autumn 2014. New elements include clearer language and easier to follow processes. Both the Mediation and Harassment Advisor Services have been reviewed. Six new mediators and 12 new harassment advisors have been recruited who provide support to staff.
• The Zero Tolerance campaign, We Get It, was launched to staff which reinforces the University’s stance on harassment and bullying and an online reporting tool makes it easier for staff to report any incidents and get support.
• A Personal and Professional Development Programme for disabled staff has been launched and resulted in very positive feedback.