Bullying is not defined in UK law and the University can apply its own definition. The University defines bullying as follows:
“Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, and/or an abuse or misuse of power, through means that may reasonably be considered to have the effect of undermining, humiliating, denigrating or injuring the recipient or recipients (emotionally or physically).”
Examples of behaviours that may constitute bullying include:
- making someone feel frightened, less respected, made fun of or upset
- spreading a false rumour about someone
- putting someone down in meetings
- not allowing someone to go on training courses, but allowing everyone else to
- giving someone a heavier workload than everyone else
- excluding someone from team/group social events
- persistently ignoring or ‘talking down’ an individual
- criticising an individual in an inappropriate manner or belittling them about their work, personality or appearance
- pressurising an individual into behaviour or actions against their wishes
In certain situations, one-off actions may constitute bullying.