Before you report bullying or harassment

Try to resolve problems informally before moving to formal steps. This includes open discussions and mediation.

Informal complaints process

If you feel you’ve experienced bullying or harassment and cannot resolve it yourself, speak to your manager. The aim is to try to resolve the situation informally.

Your manager will meet with you and the other person separately. These meetings are an opportunity to share concerns and explore what resolution looks like for both parties.

The manager, headteacher or Chair of Governors will support any actions needed to rebuild working relationships.

In some cases, it can help to involve an independent mediator for a facilitated discussion.

Mediation or facilitated discussion

Mediation and support are available to anyone affected by potential bullying, harassment or victimisation.

You can access mediation and support at any stage:

• before making a complaint
• during the informal or formal process

Contact your HR professional for advice if you need help arranging support.

Mediation and support are voluntary:

• no one should be forced to take part
• participation is your choice

Representation

Both the complainant and the alleged bully or harasser have the right to:

• be accompanied by a trade union representative
• bring a work colleague to meetings

If informal resolution doesn't work

If informal action does not stop the behaviour, or if the complaint is serious, you can make a formal complaint.

Sometimes informal action is not appropriate because of the nature of the complaint.