Dignity at work policy

1.5 This policy should be read in conjunction with the Grievance Policy and procedure and Appendix 1: Dignity at Work guidance.

3.1 Harassment: Any unwanted, inappropriate, or offensive behaviour that demeans, intimidates or creates a hostile work environment. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal, physical, sexual and digital harassment from colleagues or third-party harassment (eg by customers or clients). RoS has a Customer Behaviour Policy and takes any form of unacceptable behaviour seriously.

3.2 Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic.

3.3 Bullying: Persistent and deliberate mistreatment that undermines an individual’s self-esteem, safety, or work performance.

3.4 Psychological safety: Ensuring that employees feel safe to speak up about concerns without fear of retaliation.

3.5 More detail on each of these aspects is in Appendix 1.

4.1 All employees have a responsibility to:

• Demonstrate respect and integrity in interactions with individuals and teams
• Work collaboratively, collegiately, and effectively in teams within and across organisational units
• Identify and challenge unacceptable behaviour when it occurs, even if it is not directed at ourselves
• Address and resolve matters informally, where reasonably possible, in a positive and constructive way
• Raise more serious concerns with senior managers or the HR team and participate positively in approaches to resolve them
• Modify our behaviour should we become aware that we have behaved unacceptably in relation to this policy, even if no complaint has been made.

4.2 Managers have a responsibility to:

• Lead in promoting a culture of dignity and respect
• Take timely, relevant action to resolve concerns informally where appropriate
• Support the use of the formal Grievance Policy and Procedure where complaints cannot be resolved informally.

4.3 RoS as an employer, has a responsibility to ensure that:

• We foster a positive culture for working which supports mutual respect
• We treat staff with openness, respect, and dignity
• Complaints of harassment, bullying, victimisation, or discrimination are treated seriously and with discretion
• We take reasonable steps to ensure the physical safety of our colleagues and address concerns about inappropriate behaviour, while fostering an environment where psychological safety is supported
• Malicious or vexatious allegations are dealt with in line with RoS Disciplinary Policy and Procedure where appropriate
• We take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, ensuring this covers all employees, including workers and contractors
• We monitor all complaints and their outcomes to identify patterns and determine if further interventions are needed to keep colleagues safe and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect, this also informs any required training or development to enhance our workplace culture.