The University of Sunderland is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from unlawful discrimination. Any proven form of sexual and racial harassment is unlawful discrimination. Any incidents of harassment will be regarded extremely seriously and can be grounds for disciplinary action which may include dismissal.

Supervisors, Directors of School and tutors are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to prevent sexual or racial harassment in the University and to take appropriate swift action if it occurs.

Harassment has been defined in various ways. However, the essential feature is that it is based on a wide range of conduct, actions or statements that are unwelcome or unwanted by the recipient.

It includes suggestive remarks, gestures or actions which cause humiliation, offence or distress, which interfere with an individual's work or creates an unpleasant intimidating or hostile working environment.

In many situations the behaviour can be stopped, with an indication to the person causing offence that the behaviour is unacceptable. You may wish to be accompanied by a friend, colleague or staff representative when you do this. Alternatively, if you feel unable to approach the harasser, you should report the behaviour to the perpetrator's manager or Director of School.

In cases where the individual does not feel able to pursue either of the above courses of action, he or she may approach anyone on the list of confidential counsellors established by the University. These counsellors are available to provide advice to staff and students and will where appropriate initiate any action required to rectify the problems identified. Further details of this counselling facility are included in the "CODE OF PRACTICE ON DEALING WITH HARASSMENT"

Prepared for WWW by laurie.fenwick@sunderland.ac.uk

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