Sexual Harassment Policy

We are committed to maintaining a respectful and professional environment for our staff, clients and visitors alike.  Any form of harassment or inappropriate behaviour towards our staff will not be tolerated and you may be asked to leave the premises if you behave in this manner.  We kindly ask that all interactions remain courteous and respectful.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

What is our policy

We are committed to providing a working environment free from sexual harassment and ensuring all staff are treated, and treat others, with dignity and respect. We recognise that sexual harassment can occur both in and outside the workplace, such as on business trips, or at work-related events or social functions, or on social media.

Sexual harassment or victimisation of any member of staff, or anyone they come into contact with during the course of their work, is unlawful and will not be tolerated. We will take active steps to help prevent the sexual harassment and victimisation of all staff.

Anyone who is a victim of, or witness to, sexual harassment is encouraged to report it in accordance with this policy.  This will enable us to take appropriate action and provide support.  Sexual harassment can result in legal liability for both the business and the perpetrator, whether they work for us or are a third party outside of our control.  Sexual harassment may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Third-party harassment occurs where a person is harassed or sexually harassed by someone who does not work for, and who is not an agent of, the same employer, but with whom they have come into contact during the course of their employment. Third-party harassment could include, for example, unwelcome sexual advances from a client, customer or supplier visiting the employer’s premises, or where a person is visiting a client, customer or supplier’s premises or other location in the course of their employment.

Third-party sexual harassment can result in legal liability and will not be tolerated. All staff are encouraged to report any third-party harassment they are a victim of, or witness, in accordance with this policy.

Any sexual harassment by a member of staff against a third party may lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

We will take active steps to try to prevent third-party sexual harassment of staff.  These may include warning notices to clients/visitors and directing them to the Sexual harassment policy on our website.

If any third-party harassment of staff occurs, we will take steps to remedy any complaints and to prevent it happening again. These may include warning the harasser about their behaviour, banning them from our premises, reporting any criminal acts to the police, and sharing information with other branches of the business.

You may report any sexual harassment in writing via a confidential, dedicated email address to reporting@bussmurton.co.uk.

Monitoring and review

We will review this policy regularly and at least annually.