1. Dignity and Respect in the Workplace
Preventing and Managing Workplace Bullying
Occupational Health and Safety Directorate
NSW Department of Education & Training
Safety is everyone’s responsibility

2. Background Signatory to Charter
Requires Department to have a positive behavioural culture
Department’s commitment to dignity and respect.

3. What is bullying? Definitions vary, but bullying is behaviour that is:
repeated
unreasonable
unwelcome and unsolicited
directed towards an employee
a reasonable person would consider to be offensive/humiliating/intimidating/threatening
creates a risk to health and safety.
(DET Prevention of Bullying in the Workplace Policy)

4. Examples Abuse - verbal , physical, emotional Excessive criticism
Unfair use of workplace systems
Constant ridicule and put downs
Loud, threatening or derogatory language
Deliberate exclusion from workplace activities
Victimisation
Spreading rumours or offensive messages through SMS or

5. Bullying is NOT: Differences of opinion
Reporting professional difficulties with staff
Managerial action such as monitoring workflow, giving feedback and managing performance
- where done in a reasonable way in accordance with departmental policies and procedures

6. Impact of bullying Workplace bullying has serious consequences for:
The individual
Other workers and the workplace
The Department as a whole.

7. Prevention of bullying
It is easier to prevent bullying than it is to intervene after an event.

8. Bullying Risk Management Model
Workplace Consultation
A Risk Management Approach
Workplace Training and Awareness
Dealing with Complaints
Process Improvement

9. DET framework for preventing bullying
Legislation: OHS, Anti-discrimination
Workers Compensation
Dignity & Respect in the Workplace Charter
DET Prevention of bullying in the workplace policy
DET Code of conduct policy
DET Complaints handling policy
DET Code of Conduct
DET Complaint handling guidelines

10. Prevention of bullying in the workplace policy
The policy states the Department’s commitment to dignity and respect and preventing and responding to bullying
Protection of complainants and witnesses from victimisation
Specifies managers’ and staff members’ responsibilities

11. Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct establishes a common understanding of the standards of behaviour expected of all employees of the Department
Areas covered by the Code include:
Respect for people
Professional behaviour
Taking responsibility
Relationships between staff and students
Conflict of interest

12. Code of Conduct All employees are to: Be courteous and responsive
Take responsibility for their own conduct and work with colleagues cooperatively
Treat colleagues with dignity and respect
Promote cooperation and harmonious relations
Consider their own and others’ health and safety
Report discriminatory or harassing behaviour

13. Code of Conduct
Managers and principals must lead by example and take steps to ensure the workplace is free from harassment, bullying and unlawful discrimination
Breaches can be dealt with under the Complaints Handling Guidelines and may be investigated
Proven breaches may result in disciplinary or remedial action.

14. Complaints handling Complaints handling procedures used for bullying
Complaints resolved promptly, impartially and in a just manner
Report matter to supervisor/workplace manager
Non victimisation of person who reports

15. Complaints handling
Alleged bully treated as innocent unless the allegations proved
Staff counselled on inappropriate behaviour
Informal resolution is encouraged for less serious complaints
For a formal complaint the seriousness is assessed to determine negotiation or investigation
Complaints Handling Guidelines available on intranet

16. Responsibilities of managers and employees
Managers are to:
Encourage a work culture of dignity and respect
Consult staff
Take action to prevent bullying
Investigate complaints promptly, support both parties
Employees are to:
Treat others with dignity and
respect and not bully or harass
Report bullying and hazards
Participate in consultation.

17. What does the workplace need to do?
Promote a positive workplace culture with open consultation and communication
Clearly set the standard of acceptable, professional behaviour, and address unacceptable behaviour
Create awareness and provide instruction/training
Take a risk management approach to bullying, identify risk factors and control
Continue to monitor bullying and review controls
Encourage reporting and investigate complaints promptly.

18. Consultation
Consultation with occupational health and safety representatives and the OHS committee should precede all proposed
action to reduce the risk
of bullying.

19. What can you do? Treat everyone with dignity and respect
See issues from the other person’s view
Communicate clearly
Do not dwell on conflicts from the past
Deal with communication problems early
Participate in consultation on bullying
Do not bully back if you are bullied – use the procedures

20. If you believe you are being bullied
Where possible seek to resolve the issue
If this is not successful, report the complaint - lodge a complaint using the complaint handling procedures
Seek counselling through the Employee Assistance Program
Contact your OHS Advisor or Regional OHS Liaison Manager
Cooperate with any investigation and resolution strategies.

21. In summary
Everyone has a responsibility to maintain an environment of dignity and respect
Create awareness, communicate and consult
Take a preventative, risk management approach
Report bullying
Follow up on complaints promptly
Monitor and review the workplace.

22. Thank you for your participation!